Johannesburg, South Africa – In a significant revelation that sent ripples through the cricketing world, South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s one-month ban from the sport earlier this year was due to a positive test for cocaine. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed that Rabada had tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, during testing in January 2025 while playing in the SA20 league for MI Cape Town.
The Initial Suspension and “Personal Reasons”
Rabada’s initial departure from his Indian Premier League (IPL) stint with Gujarat Titans in April was attributed to “an important personal matter.” This cryptic explanation fueled speculation, which was later addressed by Rabada himself. He admitted to having “returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug” and issued a public apology for his actions, expressing deep regret and vowing to learn from the experience.
Cocaine Confirmed as the Substance
While Rabada’s initial statement did not specify the drug, SAIDS later confirmed it was cocaine. The presence of Benzoylecgonine in his urine sample, found during the January test, led to the provisional suspension that began on April 1, 2025.
Under the South African Anti-Doping Rules, substances like cocaine fall under the category of “Substances of Abuse.” While such infringements can carry a maximum ban of four years, Rabada’s legal team successfully argued that the use occurred out-of-competition and was not performance-enhancing. The concentration of the metabolite in his sample (under 1,000 nanograms per millilitre) further supported the argument that it was not used on the day of testing.
This legal strategy, coupled with Rabada’s acceptance of responsibility and willingness to complete a substance abuse treatment program, led to a reduced ban. He completed two sessions of the program, which allowed his provisional suspension to end after one month.
Return to Cricket and Future Prospects
Having served his one-month ban (from April 1 to May 1), Rabada quickly rejoined the Gujarat Titans in the IPL for their remaining matches. He is now set to spearhead South Africa’s bowling attack in the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s from June 11-15, highlighting his swift return to top-flight cricket.
The incident, while regrettable, has brought to light the complexities surrounding recreational drug use in professional sports and the protocols governing such cases within anti-doping frameworks.
