South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has made headlines again, not just for his performance on the field but for the controversy surrounding his sudden IPL 2025 exit and return. Rabada, who had quietly exited the tournament in late March citing “personal issues,” has now revealed that he tested positive for a recreational drug during the SA20 league earlier this year and was under a provisional suspension.
Rabada Confirms Drug Test Result
In a statement posted on his social media, Rabada confirmed that his absence from the IPL was due to a failed dope test and the subsequent ban. The substance, although not disclosed officially, falls under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of recreational drugs. These include commonly known substances like cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), heroin, and THC (cannabis).
He expressed remorse and stated that he underwent a rehabilitation program as required and is now ready to rejoin Gujarat Titans for their match against Mumbai Indians on May 6 at Wankhede Stadium.
Tim Paine Slams Secrecy
Former Australian skipper Tim Paine was vocal about his disapproval of how the matter was managed. On his SEN Radio show, Paine accused the authorities of hiding the real reason behind Rabada’s absence by labeling it a “personal issue.”
“That’s not a personal issue; that’s breaking a contract,” said Paine. “Fans and stakeholders deserve transparency. This isn’t something that should be swept under the rug.”
Paine’s concern also extended to Rabada’s upcoming participation in the World Test Championship final against Australia next month in London. He emphasized that the cricketing world should be informed about the substance involved, the duration of the suspension, and which authority issued the sanction.
Possible Sanction and Future Implications
According to WADA’s code, recreational drug usage can lead to a standard three-month ban. However, this can be reduced to one month if the player proves the drug was taken out of competition and completes a rehabilitation program.
Cricket South Africa and the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport are expected to release a full statement clarifying the details and confirming Rabada’s eligibility moving forward.
What’s Next?
As Rabada re-enters the IPL, this incident raises serious questions about transparency, athlete conduct, and the role of cricketing boards in managing sensitive disciplinary matters. Whether this will affect Rabada’s long-term reputation or not remains to be seen, but the calls for openness and accountability are growing louder.
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