South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return to cricket after completing a substance abuse treatment program. He tested positive for a recreational drug during the SA20 competition in January 2023 and served a one-month suspension following the discovery in April.
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed that Rabada was tested after the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants on January 21. The positive test result was conveyed to him on April 1, leading to an immediate provisional suspension.
“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,” SAIDS stated.
While the specific substance was not disclosed, SAIDS Code Article 4.2.3 identifies cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ecstasy, and THC as substances of abuse.
Article 10.2.4.1 of the SAIDS Code specifies: “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.”
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“The player accepted responsibility for the doping offence and honoured his provisional suspension,” SAIDS confirmed.
“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.”
Rabada participated in an education and awareness program to prevent future substance abuse. He is now eligible to play immediately and could feature in Wednesday’s match between GT and Mumbai Indians.
The sanction follows World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines for recreational drug use. A similar penalty was given to New Zealand’s Doug Bracewell last year after testing positive for cocaine during the Super Smash.
