Follow UsSouth African paceman Kagiso Rabada has been given the green signal to return to cricket after participating in a substance abuse treatment program. The 29-year-old will now be available for selection for Gujarat Titans (GT)’s next Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture against Mumbai Indians on May 6 (Tuesday).
Rabada recently confirmed that he is serving a provisional ban for using recreational drugs. As a result, he returned home from the IPL 2025, citing personal reasons. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has confirmed that Rabada was tested during the SA20 in January and the positive test result was conveyed to him on April 1.
"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.
"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."
There has been no update provided on the substance he consumed, but the SAIDS Code Article 4.2.3 identifies cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ecstasy, and THC as substances of abuse.
The Titans have won seven of their 10 games so far in the IPL 2025, and two more wins would help them qualify for the playoffs.