New Delhi, May 3, 2025: South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has admitted to failing a drug test, confirming that the result prompted his sudden withdrawal from the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Rabada, currently ranked second in the ICC Men’s Test bowling rankings, had earlier left the Gujarat Titans squad after just two appearances this season, initially citing “important personal reasons” for his abrupt return to South Africa. While the franchise confirmed his departure, no further details were provided until now.
In a statement released through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada revealed that he had tested positive for a recreational substance, resulting in an adverse analytical finding and a provisional suspension from all forms of cricket.
“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” Rabada said. “I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me—it goes beyond my personal aspirations.”
The 29-year-old expressed regret and acknowledged the gravity of the situation, while also thanking Cricket South Africa (CSA), his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, SACA, his legal team, and his family for their continued support.
“I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing,” he added. “Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done—continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft.”
While Rabada has expressed his desire to return to competitive cricket soon, his availability for upcoming international fixtures, including the World Test Championship (WTC) matches, remains uncertain.
The incident marks a rare controversy in the career of one of South Africa’s leading cricketers and casts a shadow over his immediate future in both domestic and international cricket.
