Kagiso Rabada's availability for IPL 2025 and WTC Final confirmed after ban over drug use

South Africa pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has completed a one-month ban for a doping violation during the SA20 2025 earlier this year. Kagiso Rabada was originally handed a three-month suspension that was reduced after the star pacer underwent a rehabilitation and awareness program under the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).

Actually, Rabada failed a doping test on January 21 after an SA20 2025 clash between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants. He was officially informed of the result on April 1, and at that time, he was already in India for the ongoing IPL 2025, playing for the Gujarat Titans.

Kagiso Rabada cleared to play in the IPL 2025 and WTC Final

Just two days later, Gujarat Titans (GT) revealed that Rabada returned to South Africa for “personal reasons” after playing only three games in the tournament. Well, Rabada has now completed his suspension and is cleared to return to competitive cricket immediately.

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The Proteas speedster is now allowed to play in Gujarat Titans’ next IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, May 7, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Not just IPL, Rabada is now also eligible to play in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia next month.

With 47 wickets at an average under 20 in the last WTC 2023-25 cycle, Rabada was South Africa’s top performer and will be their biggest weapon at the Oval. But presently, the star pacer’s return is a big boost for the Gujarat Titans as they aim for a top-2 finish in the ongoing IPL 2025.

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Kagiso Rabada’s suspension follows WADA protocols for recreational substances

Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada was handed the suspension according to the rules set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which also apply to drugs like cocaine or cannabis.

A similar case happened last year when New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell was banned after testing positive for cocaine.

Last year, Zimbabwean cricketers Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta were banned for four months after they tested positive for a recreational drug. Along with the ban, they were also fined 50% of their salaries for three months as part of the punishment.

Kagiso Rabada's drug ban ends, no extra punishment from CSA

However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has decided not to give Rabada any further punishment. They called the incident “regrettable” but are happy with the way Rabada handled the situation. He apologized through the South African Cricketers' Association and joined a rehab and awareness program to correct his mistake, so CSA is not going to take this case further.

Rabada had said in a statement a few days ago, “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.”

Now that the ban is over, Rabada is clear to return to action cricket. Notably, GT is currently ranked fourth on the IPL 2025 points table with 14 points from 10 games. They have lost only three games so far in the ongoing tournament, and Rabada’s return would only boost their playoff chances.

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