Kagiso Rabada cleared to resume playing after completing 'substance abuse treatment program'

By SABC Sport
5th May 2025

Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to resume playing by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) after serving a one-month suspension following a positive doping test.

SAIDS issued a statement confirming that Rabada had completed a "substance abuse treatment program" after failing the doping test on 21 January but was only notified of the result on 1 April.

The paceman then subsequently left his IPL side, Gujarat Titans, on 3 April after playing two matches in the tournament but has now returned to India.

The statement from SAIDS said: "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 player accepted responsibility for the doping offence and honoured his provisional suspension.

"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."

The 29-year-old issued an apology through the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) after confirming his suspension.

He wrote: "I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.

"I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.

"I couldn't have gone through this alone. I'd like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I'd also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly I'd like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.

"Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft."

Rabada is expected to be vital for the Proteas when they take on Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final that starts on 11 June at Lord's.