 "Kagiso Rabada tested positive for cocaine; how he avoided a longer ban: Report")
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had reportedly tested positive for cocaine earlier this year, which led to a short suspension from cricket . According to a report in the South African newspaper Rapport, Rabada gave a urine sample after an SA20 match in January, and it showed traces of benzoylecgonine (BZE), a substance found in cocaine.
The drug that got Rabada suspended
There was no public information about any drug test or possible suspension when Rabada arrived in India for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season in March. He was bought by the Gujarat Titans in the auctions and played the first two games of the season for them. However, in the first week of April, GT issued a statement saying that Rabada had left the team and returned to South Africa due to personal reasons.
GT did not give any update about Rabada’s return to the IPL this season. But the South African pacer was spotted again in the Titans’ dugout earlier this month. It was later revealed that Rabada had gone back to serve a one-month suspension he received for using a recreational drug. Rabada also issued a statement apologising for his actions, but he did not name the drug that caused his suspension.
Now, it has come to light that the drug was cocaine. The test was conducted after the match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants at Kingsmead during the SA20 on 21 January. When the results came in, it was confirmed that Rabada had used a recreational drug, which led to a provisional suspension, meaning he was not allowed to play for a certain period.
How Rabada avoided a longer ban
According to the report, Rabada’s legal team helped him avoid a longer ban by proving that he had used the drug outside of competition, and not on the day of the match. The report also stated that the amount found in his system was less than 1,000 nanograms per millilitre, which supported his case. Rabada chose not to go for a second sample test and instead admitted to using the drug, which helped him save both time and legal expenses.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsBecause of this, Rabada has already completed his suspension and is now cleared to return to competitive cricket. He was expected to make a comeback with GT, but the team management decided to hold off as they did not want to change their winning combination.
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