Kagiso Rabada banned from IPL 2025 due to drug use, pacer breaks silence with statement

In a sensational development, South African star pacer Kagiso Rabada’s sudden departure from the ongoing IPL 2025 was not for personal reasons as initially claimed. Actually, a fresh report by Rapport claimed that Rabada returned home after being flagged for the use of a prohibited substance.

According to sources, the banned substance in question is not a performance-enhancing but a relaxation aid. The nature of the substance is still being verified, but it's reportedly not linked to any intent to gain a competitive edge. But its use falls under substances banned by governing authorities.

Kagiso Rabada banned from IPL 2025!!

Despite the controversy, Rabada is still expected to return to the IPL 2025 later this season. An official statement addressing the situation is expected to be made by the Gujarat Titans on Monday, May 5, and that may provide further clarity on the incident. Howver, the pacer has released an official statement to address the matter.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

🚨 STATEMENT FROM KAGISO RABADA 🚨

- Rabada serving a provisional suspension after an adverse analytical finding of the use of a Recreational Drug. pic.twitter.com/Odyx04x1fl

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 3, 2025

Kagiso Rabada confirms suspension after testing positive for recreational drug

Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada has confirmed through a statement from South Africa's players' union that he is currently serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug. The pacer clarified that the substance was not performance-enhancing.

Read Also: "What’s good for himself": Sunil Gavaskar gives bold verdict on MS Dhoni extending his IPL career

He expressed deep regret for letting down his supporters but emphasized that playing cricket is a privilege he doesn't take for granted. Currently serving a provisional suspension, Rabada is focused on returning to the game he loves.

Kagiso Rabada said in a statement, “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug. I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations. I am serving a provisional suspension, and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.”

Kagiso Rabada thanks CSA, SACA, GT and family for their support

The South African pacer thanked his agent, Cricket South Africa (CSA), Gujarat Titans, South Africa Cricket Association (SACA), his legal team, and his family for their support. Rabada is determined to move past this tough time and continue playing with passion and commitment.

Read Also: Watch: Aishwarya Rai clean bowled by Virat Kohli’s madness

Rabada added, “I couldn't have gone through this alone. I'd like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I'd also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly, I'd like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love. 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.”

Kagiso Rabada confirms in a statement through South Africa’s players union that he is currently serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug pic.twitter.com/gUd9Uu1Vhu

— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) May 3, 2025

Notably, Gujarat Titans have been doing well in the ongoing IPL 2025, where they have won seven of their 10 games so far in the tournament. They are currently sitting on the second spot in the IPL 2025 points table and will next face Mumbai Indians on May 6 at the Wankhede Stadium.