South Africa’s star pacer Kagiso Rabada has completed a one-month ban for a doping violation during the SA20 tournament earlier this year.
As per a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Rabada failed a doping test on January 21 after an SA20 2025 clash between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants. He was officially informed of the result on April 1, and at that time, he was already in India to play IPL 2025 for the Gujarat Titans.
Just two days later, Rabada flew back to South Africa from the IPL, with the franchise labelling the reason a ‘personal' one.
"Mr. Rabada tested positive for a Substance of Abuse and was subsequently notified of the allegation of his doping offence on 1 April 2025. A provisional suspension was imposed and Mr. Rabada returned immediately to South Africa from India," the release, issued by SAIDS, stated.
While the specific drug was not mentioned in the statement, Article 4.2.3 of the SAIDS Code lists cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ecstasy, and THC among the substances of abuse.
The statement also referenced Article 10.2.4.1 of the SAIDS Code, which notes: "If the athlete can establish that any ingestion or use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period of ineligibility shall be three (3) months. This may be reduced to one (1) month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a substance abuse treatment program approved by SAIDS."
Rabada completed the required treatment program, comprising two sessions, following which his provisional suspension was lifted.
"The player accepted responsibility for the doping offence and honoured his provisional suspension," the release added.
"As per the South African Anti-Doping Rules specifically pertaining to Substances of Abuse, the player was offered an opportunity to complete a substance abuse treatment program. After Mr. Rabada satisfactorily completed two sessions of his treatment program, his provisional suspension ended. The player has effectively served a one-month period of ineligibility and may now resume participation in sport."
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
