Gujarat Titans' Rabada Cleared for IPL After Drug Suspension

South African star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been cleared in a doping case and is set to return to cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has lifted the provisional suspension imposed on Rabada after he successfully completed a rehabilitation program related to the use of prohibited stimulants.

Rabada had tested positive for a banned “substance of abuse” during the SA20 League held in South Africa earlier this year. The test was conducted following a match on January 21, and the results revealed traces of a recreational drug in his system. Rabada was officially informed of the violation on April 1, and a provisional suspension was imposed immediately. As a result, he had to leave the IPL mid-season and return to South Africa.

According to SAIDS regulations, substances such as cocaine and heroin are classified as “substances of abuse.” If an athlete can demonstrate that such substances were consumed outside the context of sport and not to enhance performance, the standard three-month suspension can be reduced. Athletes who satisfactorily complete a SAIDS-approved treatment program may have the suspension reduced to one month (Article 10.2.4.1).

SAIDS stated that Rabada accepted full responsibility for his doping violation and complied with the provisional suspension. Upon successfully completing the designated rehabilitation program, the institute announced the removal of his suspension. “The athlete has effectively served a one-month period of ineligibility and is now eligible to resume participation in sport,” SAIDS clarified.

With the suspension lifted, Rabada is expected to rejoin the IPL. This season, he is representing Gujarat Titans. The team is scheduled to play against Mumbai Indians this Wednesday, and Rabada is likely to feature in the match.

Earlier in the season, Rabada had played the first two matches for Gujarat Titans. Following the imposition of the suspension, he returned to South Africa. At the time, Gujarat Titans management stated he had gone back due to “personal reasons.” However, Rabada recently disclosed that he had been suspended due to the doping violation, which rendered him unavailable for team selection.