New Delhi: After completing the “Pharm Abuse Treatment Program” during the suspension, a temporary ban on the use of banned recreational drugs by South African pacemaker Kagiso Rabada, which allowed him to provide for IPL Franchise Gujarat Titans.
According to a statement from the South African Institute of Non-Drug Sports (said), Rabada has been linked to the Gujarat Tians after serving and can now participate in the field. The GT will be in contact with Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old was tested in the SA20 league in January, and the suspension also allowed him to win the World Test Championship final against Australia next month.
The press release said: “Mr. Rabada tested positive for the abused substance and was subsequently notified that he had charged him with stimulant crimes on April 1, 2025.
“Under South Africa’s anti-doping rules, especially related to substance abuse, the player is provided with the opportunity to complete a substance abuse treatment program.”
It added: “Mr. Labada satisfactorily completed two sessions of his treatment plan and his temporary suspension ended. The player has actually served for a month of unqualified period and may now resume sports.”
Cocaine, heroin, MDMA and marijuana fall into the category of “Material Abuse” that approves Rabada.
Abuse of this drug could lead to a ban of up to four years, but the suspension could be reduced to three months if athletes can prove that such use occurs outside of competition and is not related to performance improvements.
The athlete's ban can be further reduced to two months if he is willing to conduct a treatment plan approved by the South African Anti-Doping Agency.
The South African pacemaker left the league last month after playing two games for the Gujarat Titans, citing personal reasons. GT bought him for Rs 1075 crore.
Rabada, who has played 241 international games for Proteas in a format including 70 tests, apologized for his actions.
“Going forward, this moment won't define me. I will continue to do what I have been doing, work hard and be passionate and dedicated to my craft,” he said.
