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Cocaine was found in Rabada's urine sample
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South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned to professional cricket following a one-month suspension for a positive cocaine test, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed.
The banned substance was detected in a urine sample collected on January 21, 2025, shortly after an SA20 league match. Laboratory analysis revealed a low concentration of benzoylecgonine (BZE) - a metabolite of cocaine - indicating that the drug was likely used out of competition and not on the day of the match.
Rabada, 29, was formally notified on April 1 and did not contest the result or request analysis of a B-sample. He immediately withdrew from the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was playing for the Gujarat Titans, and began serving a provisional suspension on April 3.
His legal team successfully argued that the incident involved recreational use and was not linked to performance enhancement, which allowed Rabada to benefit from a reduced sanction under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. In place of a standard three-month ban, he served a one-month suspension and completed a substance abuse treatment program.
Rabada made his return to the IPL on May 3 and remains in contention for South Africa's squad in the upcoming World Test Championship final in June.
In a public statement, Rabada acknowledged the gravity of his actions and extended an apology to his fans, teammates, and the cricketing community.
"I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I take full responsibility and have learned from this experience. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism both on and off the field."
Rabada's return is being closely watched, with fans and selectors hopeful he can regain top form as South Africa eyes silverware in the months ahead.
The banned substance was detected in a urine sample collected on January 21, 2025, shortly after an SA20 league match. Laboratory analysis revealed a low concentration of benzoylecgonine (BZE) - a metabolite of cocaine - indicating that the drug was likely used out of competition and not on the day of the match.
Rabada, 29, was formally notified on April 1 and did not contest the result or request analysis of a B-sample. He immediately withdrew from the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was playing for the Gujarat Titans, and began serving a provisional suspension on April 3.
His legal team successfully argued that the incident involved recreational use and was not linked to performance enhancement, which allowed Rabada to benefit from a reduced sanction under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. In place of a standard three-month ban, he served a one-month suspension and completed a substance abuse treatment program.
Rabada made his return to the IPL on May 3 and remains in contention for South Africa's squad in the upcoming World Test Championship final in June.
In a public statement, Rabada acknowledged the gravity of his actions and extended an apology to his fans, teammates, and the cricketing community.
"I made a mistake that I deeply regret. I take full responsibility and have learned from this experience. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism both on and off the field."
Rabada's return is being closely watched, with fans and selectors hopeful he can regain top form as South Africa eyes silverware in the months ahead.
Source - online
