Kagiso Rabada Serving Provisional Ban For Using Recreational Drugs

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has confirmed that he is serving a provisional ban for using recreational drugs. As a result, he returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL), citing personal reasons.

According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, the South African pacer is believed to have consumed a banned substance during the SA20, where he turned up for MI Cape Town. According to the same report, Rabada has returned to India after returning home, citing personal reasons. Whether or not he will play for the Gujarat Titans (GT) for the remainder of the season is not clear yet.

"As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons," Rabada said in his statement, issued by the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA). 

"This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug. 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."

Reacting to this, Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued the following statement: 

"Cricket South Africa (CSA) can confirm that Proteas Men right arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance.

The incident is regrettable, however, Rabada has reassured CSA and his fans of his commitment to upholding professional standards and has restated his passion to the sport of cricket and the country he represents with purpose.

CSA is fully committed to drug-free sport and reminds cricket players, both professional and amateur, of the importance of adhering to all regulations. We are steadfast in our support to all players in this regard."

Rabada played a couple of matches in IPL 2025, in which he picked up two wickets at an economy rate of 10.37.