Proteas Star Bowler Kagiso Rabada Greenlit to Return to IPL Action After Drug Suspension
South African pace bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to continue with the remainder of his season with Ahmedabad-based side, Gujarat Titans, in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) after testing positive for a recreational drug back in January 2025, thus being suspended from cricketing duties. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sports (SAIDS) lifted what could’ve been a three-month ban after KG honoured the treatment program he had to undergo and the one-month of ineligibility from playing.
The 29-year-old issued a statement over the weekend detailing his return to Mzansi following what he claimed was “an adverse analytical finding” of a recreational drug in his system. Subsequently, he was provisionally suspended from participating any further in the 2022 champions of the IPL and all cricketing activities by the SAIDS.
“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.
Kagiso Rabada training | SUPPLIED
“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,” said the SAIDS on the suspension of the ban.
With Rabada now out of the woods, the fast bowler is free to complete his stint with his Indian franchise, and he will also be available for the World Test Championship final against the Baggy Greens at Lord’s in England come June 2025.