Cricket
Rabada in hot water after positive drug test─── MORGAN PIEK 08:35 Sun, 04 May 2025
Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has found himself in hot water after it emerged that he tested positive for the use of a recreational drug.
Last month, Rabada – who was representing the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League – returned to South Africa, with his franchise stating it was to deal with a “significant personal matter”. He hasn’t played a game of cricket since 29 March when Gujarat beat the Mumbai Indians by 36 runs.
It has since come to light that the use of the recreational drug occurred during the 2025 SA20, where Rabada turned out for the champions, MI Cape Town.
At this stage, it remains unclear which substance the player used. However, Rabada has issued a sincere apology for bringing the game into disrepute. He has since returned to India to rejoin his team for the remainder of the IPL season.
Kagiso Rabada during the 2025 SA20. Photo: Cricinfo
Rabada was serving a suspension during this period and has expressed his eagerness to return to the field.
The player released a statement through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) on Saturday evening, apologising for his actions. “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL, for personal reasons,” said Rabada.
“This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.
Kagiso Rabada for the Gujarat Titans in the 2025 IPL. Photo: Cricinfo
“I am deeply sorry to all those whom I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is far greater than me – it goes beyond my personal aspirations.
“I am currently serving a provisional suspension and I look forward to returning to the game I love.
“I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and the Gujarat Titans for their support. I’m also grateful to SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly, I want to thank my family and friends for their love and understanding.
Doug Bracewell. Photo: Cricinfo
“This moment will not define me. I will continue doing what I’ve always done – working hard and playing with passion and commitment to my craft.”
As recently as November 2024, New Zealand seamer Doug Bracewell tested positive for cocaine and was handed a one-month ban. Although he initially received a three-month suspension, it was reduced to 30 days after he completed a treatment programme.
