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Kagiso Rabada cleared to play again after completing 'substance abuse treatment program'

IANS May 5, 2025 458 views

South African cricket pacer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return to professional play after completing a substance abuse treatment program. The player was initially suspended following a positive drug test during the SA20 competition in January. Rabada cooperated fully with South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) protocols and completed mandatory education sessions. His reinstatement follows standard international anti-doping guidelines for recreational substance use.

"The player accepted responsibility for the doping offence" - SAIDS Statement"
Kagiso Rabada cleared to play again after completing 'substance abuse treatment program'
New Delhi, May 5: South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play again after completing the 'substance abuse treatment program' following testing positive for a recreational drug during the SA20 competition earlier this year.

Key Points

1

Rabada tested positive for substance of abuse during SA20 match

2

Completed one-month treatment program with SAIDS

3

Can resume playing immediately

4

Follows international anti-doping protocols

According to a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Rabada was tested following the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants on January 21. He tested positive for a "Substance of Abuse" and was informed of the result on April 1, following which a provisional suspension was imposed.

"Mr. Rabada tested positive for a Substance of Abuse and was subsequently notified of the allegation of his doping offence on 1 April 2025. A provisional suspension was imposed and Mr. Rabada returned immediately to South Africa from India," the release stated. While the specific drug was not named in the statement, Article 4.2.3 of the SAIDS Code lists cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ecstasy, and THC among the substances of abuse.

The statement also referenced Article 10.2.4.1 of the SAIDS Code, which notes: "If the athlete can establish that any ingestion or use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period of ineligibility shall be three (3) months. This may be reduced to one (1) month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a substance abuse treatment program approved by SAIDS."

According to SAIDS, Rabada has since participated in an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse. He can resume playing immediately and could return to action as soon as Wednesday, when GT play Mumbai Indians (MI).

"The player accepted responsibility for the doping offence and honoured his provisional suspension," the release added.

"As per the South African Anti-Doping Rules specifically pertaining to Substances of Abuse, the player was offered an opportunity to complete a substance abuse treatment program. After Mr. Rabada satisfactorily completed two sessions of his treatment program, his provisional suspension ended. The player has effectively served a one-month period of ineligibility and may now resume participation in sport."

Rabada's sanction aligns with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) guidelines for the use of recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, or diamorphine. A comparable penalty was imposed on New Zealand's Doug Bracewell last year after he tested positive for cocaine during the Super Smash.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
As a cricket lover, I'm disappointed but glad Rabada owned up to his mistake. South Africa needs him in their bowling attack. Hope he's learned his lesson - substance abuse can destroy careers. Wishing him a strong comeback! 🇮🇳🏏
P
Priya M.
This is why BCCI is so strict about doping tests! Our Indian players know better than to mess with such substances. Rabada is lucky he got just 1 month suspension - should have been longer as deterrent. IPL teams need to be more careful while selecting foreign players.
A
Arjun S.
The real issue is why wasn't this disclosed earlier? He played in India after January test but results came in April? Transparency matters in sports. Still, good he completed the program. Hope he focuses on his bowling now - we want competitive cricket! 🤔
S
Sunita R.
Youngsters look up to these players. Such incidents send wrong message. But at least SA cricket board took action unlike some other countries who sweep things under the carpet. Hope Rabada uses his experience to educate other players about dangers of substance abuse.
V
Vikram J.
As someone who's seen careers destroyed by drugs, I appreciate that Rabada got help. The treatment program approach is better than just banning players - addiction is a disease. Hope he stays clean and comes back stronger. Cricket needs his fiery bowling! 🔥
N
Neha P.
One month seems too lenient for such a serious matter. What message does this send? That you can do drugs and be back playing in few weeks? Sports bodies need stricter punishments. Our Indian players would face much harsher consequences if caught in similar situation.

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Tags:
Kagiso Rabada Cricket South African Sports Substance Abuse SA20 SAIDS
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