South African international cricketer Kagiso Rabada (29) has admitted to testing positive for recreational drug use and serving a provisional suspension, which led to his departure from IPL 2025.
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Rabada had returned home to deal with a “significant personal matter,” and did not indicate if or when he would return to India.” He has since revealed in a statement through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), that he left due to testing positive for drugs. He apologised for his actions. “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons,” Rabada said in his statement. “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.”
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He revealed that he is serving a provisional suspension and he looks forward to returning to the game he loves 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.” The Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) is expected to release a statement early next week explaining the situation.
Cece Smith 