READ: South African Cricket Star Kagiso Rabada Faces Fallout After Positive Cocaine Test

Johannesburg, May 12, 2025 – South African cricket has been rocked by the revelation that fast bowler Kagiso Rabada tested positive for cocaine, resulting in a one-month suspension that has sparked widespread discussion about the sport’s integrity and the pressures faced by its stars. The 29-year-old, a cornerstone of the Proteas’ bowling attack, has completed his sanction and is cleared to return to competitive cricket, but the incident has cast a shadow over his illustrious career and South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship final.

The positive test occurred on January 21, 2025, during the SA20 T20 competition, when a urine sample provided by Rabada after a match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants revealed traces of benzoylecgonine (BZE), a metabolite of cocaine. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) notified Rabada of the result on April 1, prompting his immediate withdrawal from the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was playing for the Gujarat Titans. Initially cited as a departure for “personal reasons,” Rabada later confirmed he was serving a provisional suspension for recreational drug use.

Under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, substances classified as “substances of abuse,” such as cocaine, carry a three-month suspension, which can be reduced to one month if the athlete completes a treatment program. Rabada opted for this route, completing two sessions of a substance abuse education and awareness program, as confirmed by SAIDS. His legal team successfully argued that the cocaine use occurred out of competition, supported by a BZE concentration below 1,000 nanograms per milliliter, indicating the drug was not used on the day of the test. Rabada declined to have a second sample tested, a decision SAIDS CEO Khalid Galant described as pragmatic, noting it saved time and legal costs.

Rabada, who has taken 327 Test wickets and ranks among South Africa’s all-time great bowlers, issued a public apology through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA). “I am deeply sorry to all those I have let down,” he 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.” He expressed gratitude to Cricket South Africa (CSA), the Gujarat Titans, his legal team, and his family, vowing that the incident would not define his career. “I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft,” he added.

CSA acknowledged the incident as “regrettable” but emphasized Rabada’s commitment to professional standards and his passion for representing South Africa. The organization reiterated its dedication to drug-free sport, urging players to adhere to regulations. SAIDS noted that positive drug tests in South African cricket are rare, with no similar cases reported in recent years.

Rabada’s suspension, which began on April 3, ended in early May, allowing him to rejoin the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, though the tournament is currently paused due to geopolitical tensions. More critically, Rabada remains eligible for South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia, set for June 11–15 at Lord’s. His availability is a boost for the Proteas, where he is expected to lead the bowling attack, but the timing of the scandal has raised concerns about team morale and public perception.

The incident has drawn comparisons to past controversies in cricket, though Rabada’s case is distinct as it involves a recreational substance rather than performance-enhancing drugs. In 2022, South African batsman Zubayr Hamza served a nine-month ban for a prohibited substance, and historical cases, such as Herschelle Gibbs’ fine for marijuana use in 2001, highlight the sport’s ongoing challenges with off-field conduct. Public reaction has been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment over Rabada’s actions, particularly given his status as a role model, while others argue that recreational drug use should not fall under sporting sanctions unless it impacts performance.

As Rabada prepares to return to the field, the focus will be on his ability to regain form and restore trust. With a legacy that includes becoming the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets and a reputation as one of the world’s premier(nums): 327 wickets in 70 Tests, his leadership in the World Test Championship final will be crucial for South Africa. The cricket community watches closely, hoping this moment will indeed not define a career that has been nothing short of exceptional.