ZA Cricket

South African fast bowler and Gujarat Titans recruit Kagiso Rabada has been provisionally banned following an adverse drug test, with the paceman admitting to the use of a recreational drug in a public statement issued on Saturday.

Rabada, 29, returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this month citing “personal reasons”. However, it has now been confirmed that his exit was linked to a failed drug test related to the use of a recreational substance during the SA20 competition, where he represented MI Cape Town.

“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,” Rabada confirmed.

In a heartfelt statement issued via the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada expressed remorse for the incident and vowed that the moment would not define his career.

> “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,” Rabada said.



> “I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.”



Support from CSA, Gujarat Titans and SACA

Rabada, widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation, also thanked his support network during what he described as a difficult period.

> “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.”



A Difficult IPL Campaign Before Suspension

Before his sudden departure, Rabada featured in Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2025 campaign, recording figures of 1-41 in his debut against Punjab Kings and 1-42 in his second outing against Mumbai Indians. The Titans had acquired Rabada for Rs. 10.75 crore at the 2025 IPL Auction.

At the time, Gujarat Titans released a statement citing “significant personal matters” as the reason for his return to South Africa, without disclosing further details. However, it has since emerged that the decision was linked to the sanction following the SA20 drug test.

Looking Ahead: Rabada’s Future Remains Unclear

While the ban is provisional, Rabada has returned to India and signalled his intent to continue playing cricket once cleared. The star paceman remains optimistic that his reputation and playing career can recover from this setback.

> “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.”



With Cricket South Africa, the IPL, and anti-doping authorities yet to issue further clarity on the length of the suspension or his eligibility to return, Rabada’s immediate future remains uncertain.