Cricket South Africa have responded to Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada‘s provisional suspension for use of a prohibited substance.
Rabada played two matches for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League before returning to South Africa for “personal reasons” in late March 2025. He has since returned to India for the remainder of this year’s IPL.
“Cricket South Africa can confirm that Proteas right-arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance,” read a statement from CSA.
“The incident is regrettable, however, Rabada has reassured CSA and his fans of his commitment to upholding professional standards and has restated his passion to the sport of cricket and the country he represents with purpose.
“CSA is fully committed to drug-free sport and reminds cricket players, both professional and amateur, of the importance of adhering to all regulations. We are steadfast in our support to all players in this regard.”
Kagiso Rabada.
Rabada, who tested positive for the banned substance while representing MI Cape Town in the SA20 earlier this year, has played 70 Tests, 106 ODIs and 65 T20Is since debuting in international cricket in 2015.
He is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket for South Africa with 327. Former Proteas seamers Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn have 330, 390, 421 and 439 Test wickets, respectively.
“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,” said Rabada in Saturday’s statement.
“I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.
“I am deeply sorry to all those 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 could not have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, Cricket South Africa and the Gujarat Titans for their support.
“I would also like to thank the South African Cricketers’ Association and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly, I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.
“Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft.”
Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza tested positive for a banned substance in 2022. He served a nine-month suspension.
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