Kagiso Rabada issues statement after being banned for using recreational drug: 'I am deeply sorry'

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who plays for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) , has been provisionally banned after testing positive for a recreational drug. Rabada himself confirmed the news through a statement released on Saturday.

Rabada, who is 29 years old, had left the Gujarat Titans’ IPL camp in early April, stating “personal reasons.” However, he later clarified the reason behind his departure, revealing the truth about his provisional suspension. He has since traveled back to join the GT dugout but his return to play is not confirmed yet.

Kagiso Rabada confirms in a statement through South Africa’s players union that he is currently serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug pic.twitter.com/gUd9Uu1Vhu

— Ali Martin (@Cricket_Ali) May 3, 2025

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Rabada explained in his statement, “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.”

“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.”

“I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.”

What does a provisional ban mean?

A provisional ban is a temporary suspension placed on an athlete while an investigation is ongoing. This means Rabada is not allowed to take part in any matches until the final outcome of the case is decided. Rabada last played on 29 March against the Mumbai Indians.

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Rabada had joined the Gujarat Titans this year after being bought for INR 10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. He’s widely considered one of the best pace bowlers in world cricket. However, Rabada has not been in the best form over the past few months.

Rabada has played just two matches this season so far. He gave away 41 runs and took one wicket in his debut match for Gujarat Titans during their IPL 2025 opener, which they lost to his former IPL side Punjab Kings. In the next game against MI, he again took one wicket but conceded 42 runs.