Kagiso Rabada, on Monday, 5th May, got clearance from the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS). Kagiso Rabada was under scrutiny for his recreational drug usage, which created a lot of buzz in sports & world cricket. Kagiso Rabada had flown back from India to South Africa for personal reasons, which later was confirmed as a provisional doping suspension.
A statement was issued by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) confirming Rabada had failed a doping test on January 21, after the match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants, and that match was washed out due to rain. Kagiso Rabada was notified of the result on April 1 when he was in India for IPL 2025. Rabada had left from India on 3rd April.
Kagiso Rabada sanctions by WADA
According to SAIDS, Rabada has since participated in an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse as it is assumed the programme was of 1 month. Rabada won’t be restricted to playing against MI on Tuesday game.
Rabada’s sanction is in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) punishment for use of a recreational drug – including cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine or diamorphine. New Zealand’s Doug Bracewell was involved in a similar act and was banned by WADA.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta both served 4 months of suspension and a fine of 50% of their salaries for 3 months. Zimbabwe cricket had imposed sanctions which were longer than WADA recommendations.
Kagiso Rabada gets green signal
Kagiso Rabada would be roaring to make a point that the recreational drug episode doesn’t define his career. The speedster is all set to play against MI as per the recent statement by GT Director Vikram Solanki as the speedster has shown a lot of regret in his statement along with CSA for his actions.
CSA is unlikely to impose any sanctions. Kagiso Rabada’s a bit lenient attitude created a lot of headlines. We should not forget that Rabada was a force to reckon in ICC WTC 2023-25 cycle in which he took 47 wickets at an average of 19.97. It would be interesting to see how Rabada fares during ICC WTC 2023-25 final against Aussies. The whole issue of Rabada’s recreational drug finally ended and now Rabada needs to pull the socks up and roar back again and inspire youngsters.