South Africa's leading fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has confirmed that he withdrew from the current Indian Premier League (IPL) season following a provisional suspension after testing positive for a prohibited recreational drug. The revelation was made in a statement issued through the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) on Saturday.
Rabada, who appeared in two games for Gujarat Titans this season prior to leaving citing "personal reasons," has now revealed that the actual reason was a negative analytical report associated with a recreational substance. GT had acquired the pacer for ₹10.75 crore at the auction.
"As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa after being part of the IPL due to personal reasons. This was after returning a positive analytical result for the use of a recreational substance," Rabada said, with a word of regret and apology over his behavior. He also indicated that he is presently serving a provisional suspension and looks forward to rejoining the sport as soon as possible.
The identity of the drug has not been revealed, but sources within Cricket South Africa (CSA) have confirmed that the test took place during the SA20 League, where Rabada plays for MI Cape Town.
This evolution brings Rabada's South African WTC final appearance against Australia in June into doubt. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code makes substances such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and MDMA "Substances of Abuse." The player is liable to face a cut-price three-month suspension—or a straight two months alongside a rehabilitation plan—provided evidence demonstrates it to be unrelated to improving performance and is taken outside of competition.
Rabada, who played for South Africa in 241 international games, expressed gratitude to his family, attorneys, CSA, Gujarat Titans, and other supporters. He reiterated that this experience will not dictate his career:
"Going forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done—working hard and playing with passion."
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