SAIDS gives green signal to Kagiso Rabada after suspension for drug use, star pacer available for GT's key IPL 2025 clash against MI

In a big boost for Gujarat Titans (GT), their star pacer Kagiso Rabada, is now available for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This development comes after Rabada successfully completed a 'substance abuse treatment program'. The Proteas fast bowler had previously disclosed that he tested positive for a recreational drug, which led to his return to South Africa mid-season and a subsequent provisional suspension.

Kagiso Rabada cleared to feature in IPL 2025 yet again after dopingn suspension

According to an official statement released by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Rabada has completed the necessary treatment program and has been cleared to resume his cricketing activities. The details provided in the statement indicate that Rabada underwent testing following the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants on January 21. The results of this test, which came back positive for a "Substance of Abuse," were communicated to the player on April 1, leading to the imposition of the provisional suspension.

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"Mr. Rabada tested positive for a Substance of Abuse and was subsequently notified of the allegation of his doping offence on 1 April 2025. A provisional suspension was imposed and Mr. Rabada returned immediately to South Africa from India," the release states, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“If the athlete can establish that any ingestion or use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period of ineligibility shall be three (3) months. This may be reduced to one (1) month if the athlete satisfactorily completes a substance abuse treatment program approved by SAIDS,” the statement further added.

Following his positive test, Kagiso Rabada was presented with the opportunity to undergo a substance abuse treatment program. As per the official statement, the South African pace spearhead successfully completed two sessions of this program, which subsequently led to the lifting of his provisional suspension. In addition to the treatment program, the speedster also served a one-month period of ineligibility. This period of absence has now concluded, making him eligible to return to sports participation.

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Last week, Kagiso Rabada himself issued a statement acknowledging that he had tested positive for a recreational drug. In his statement, he also expressed remorse and sought forgiveness from his fans for the situation.

“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," Rabada said in an official statement.

Having completed his substance abuse treatment program, Kagiso Rabada has rejoined the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans and has featured in two matches in the IPL 2025, securing two wickets for the team. Gujarat Titans had acquired the services of the South African pacer, Rabada, for a sum of Rs 10.75 crore during the mega auction that took place in Saudi Arabia in November 2024. Currently, Gujarat Titans hold the fourth position in the IPL 2025 points table. GT will next face Mumbai Indians on May 6 at the Wankhede Stadium.