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Kagiso Rabada Cleared to Play After Doping Ban
In a big breakthrough, Gujarat Titans bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to play once again following his one-month doping ban, which was reduced from three months. Rabada was suspended for the use of drugs in the SA20 earlier this year.
SAIDS Lifts Rabada's Suspension, Returns to Gujarat Titans
A release from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed that the Proteas paceman had tested positive for a dope test during the SA20 on January 21 and was informed of the same on April 1. The speedster had gone back to South Africa on personal grounds and attended an education and awareness program.
Rabada's ban is consistent with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) sanction for consumption of a recreational drug - such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, or diamorphine. New Zealand's Doug Bracewell was given a similar penalty last year after he tested positive for cocaine in the Super Smash.
"Mr. Rababa tested positive for a substance of abuse and was then informed of the charge of his doping violation in April 2025. Provisional suspension was imposed, and Mr. Rababa returned immediately to South Africa from India," the release stated.
Rabada's return will be a big morale booster for the Gujarat Titans, as the pacer can now play in his team's match against the Mumbai Indians on Wednesday. He played only two matches for the 2022 champions this season before heading back home owing to personal reasons.
No Further Action Expected Against Rabada After Apology, Key for South Africa's WTC Hopes
In the meantime, it is not likely that South Africa will further punish Rabada. The pacer also apologized for the offense. "As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from playing in the IPL due to personal reasons. This was because I returned an adverse analytical result for the consumption of a recreational drug," Rabada stated.
"I am deeply regretful to all those whom I have disappointed. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much greater than me. It transcends my individual ambitions," he added.
With the issue being considered closed, Rabada will be available for South Africa for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia next month, where he is pivotal to their hopes. Rabada was South Africa's highest wicket-taker in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle with 47 wickets at 19.97.
Conclusion
Kagiso Rabada's short one-month suspension for doping due to an SA20 positive test has been reversed, and his instant return is now possible with his team, Gujarat Titans, in their next IPL game against the Mumbai Indians. His apology and undergoing an educational program have seemingly closed the matter, and this sets the way for his importance to be included in the South Africa squad for their WTC final game against Australia later this month.