Islamabad, May 6, 2025: Kagiso Rabada is cleared to return to cricket after serving a one-month suspension for a recreational drug test failure during the SA20 League.
SAIDS confirmed Rabada failed a January 21 doping test after a match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants.
His three-month ban was reduced to one under WADA rules for first-time use of non-performance-enhancing drugs like cannabis or cocaine.
Rabada was informed of the result on April 1 while participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Gujarat Titans.
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Two days later, the franchise cited “personal reasons” for his exit after two games, now confirmed as linked to the doping violation.
The 28-year-old pacer has since completed an educational program designed to prevent future substance misuse.
SAIDS stated that he is now eligible for selection and could make his return as early as Wednesday when Gujarat Titans face Mumbai Indians.
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Cricket South Africa called the case “regrettable” but praised Rabada’s response and ruled out further sanctions.
Rabada apologised via the South African Cricketers’ Association, acknowledging the responsibility of representing his country.
With his ban now lifted, Rabada is expected to play a central role in South Africa’s squad for next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.
He was South Africa’s top bowler during the 2023–25 WTC cycle, claiming 47 wickets at an average under 20.
