Kagiso Rabada cleared to play after one-month drug suspension

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return to professional cricket after completing a one-month suspension for recreational drug use. The ban was initially set for three months but was reduced after Rabada successfully completed an education and awareness program.

According to a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Rabada tested positive for a banned recreational substance on January 21 during the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants. He was officially informed of the result on April 1 while he was in India, playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Gujarat Titans.

Just two days later, Gujarat Titans announced that Rabada had returned to South Africa, citing “personal reasons,” after playing only two matches in the season. It was later revealed that his absence was linked to the doping case.

SAIDS confirmed that Rabada’s suspension followed World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines for first-time recreational drug use, which include substances like cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine. After completing the required program, Rabada is now eligible to play again and could return to action as soon as Wednesday when Gujarat Titans face Mumbai Indians.

Cases of recreational drug use have been treated differently by cricket boards around the world. New Zealand’s Doug Bracewell received a similar suspension last year after testing positive for cocaine. Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta were handed longer bans and financial penalties for similar offenses.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is not expected to impose any additional punishment. In a statement, CSA called the situation “regrettable” but praised Rabada for taking responsibility and showing professionalism in his response.

Rabada, through a message shared by the South African Cricketers’ Association, issued an apology: “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 and goes beyond my personal aspirations.”

Now cleared, Rabada is available for national selection and is expected to play a key role in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. He was South Africa’s top wicket-taker in the 2023–2025 WTC cycle, taking 47 wickets at an average of 19.97.

However, the handling of his suspension has raised questions. Former Australian captain Tim Paine criticized the way Gujarat Titans initially described Rabada’s absence as a “personal issue.”

“It stinks,” Paine said during a radio interview. 

“If a professional athlete tests positive for recreational drugs during a tournament, that’s not a personal issue — that’s a breach of contract. You can’t just send someone home and then quietly bring them back once the ban is over,” he added. 

With the issue now resolved, Rabada will shift his focus back to cricket as he looks to make an impact for both his IPL franchise and the national team.