Gujarat Titans on Monday declared that South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is now available for selection in the remaining matches of IPL 2025, after finishing his provisional suspension for a violation involving a prohibited recreational drug.
Rabada, who had been provisionally suspended for returning a positive result to a recreational drug in contravention of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, has now completed his one-month ban and attended an education and awareness program to prevent him from again turning to such drugs.
The franchise released a formal statement to the effect that Rabada accepted responsibility for his mistake and regretted that it had happened at all.
The particular drug used was not named, but it is recognized to be an illegal recreational drug under WADA's banned list, such as cannabis, cocaine, or methamphetamine. While such offenses normally attract three-month suspensions, Rabada's was resolved at a reduced one-month suspension, which is attributed to both his cooperation and the non-enhancing status of the drug used.
With the investigation now over by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Rabada is free to return to cricket activities. Not only is he free for the remainder of the IPL season, but he will also be in contention to be selected in South Africa's team for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June.
Rabada's return is a huge relief for Gujarat Titans, who have experienced an inconsistent season so far. His pace, experience, and wicket-taking ability will provide much-needed strength to their bowling unit as they aim to make it to the playoffs.
The rehabilitation process of the pacer is on the lines of New Zealand's Doug Bracewell, who was suspended for cocaine use during the 2023-24 Super Smash season. Rabada expressed he was "deeply sorry" for his actions, further stating, "I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted."
Rabada's return is also a huge fillip to South Africa's red-ball prospects as he has been their highest wicket-taker in the ongoing WTC cycle with 47 scalps at a brilliant average of 19.97. With his return, South Africa are very strong favourites to lift the upcoming WTC final.
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