Kagiso Rabada only played 2 matches in IPL 2025© BCCI/Sportzpics
Kagiso Rabada, Gujarat Titans and South Africa pacer, returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season about a month ago, with the franchise labelling the reason a ‘personal’ one. However, the South African speedster has now revealed that he had to return home due to ‘provisional suspension’ over the usage of recreational drugs. Rabada himself issued a statement, explaining the scenario while also suggesting that he would use this as an opportunity to reflect on and improve himself. However, the statement didn’t clarify what sort of recreational substance the pacer use, for which he tested positive. The statement also doesn’t explain if it was an ‘in competition’ (IC) test or ‘out of competition’ (OOC).
According to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, the quantum of punishment in Rabada’s case could be anything between three months to four years.
Substances such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and cannabis fall in the category of ‘Substances of Abuse’. WADA recognises they can be taken out-of-competition for reasons unrelated to sports performance. More clarity on the topic is still awaited.
Statement from Kagiso Rabada as below:
“As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL, for personal reasons. 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 cr
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