Rabada breaks silence on banned substance ban ahead of the WTC Final 2025

Published - 31 May 2025, 18:13 IST | Updated - 31 May 2025, 18:29 IST

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has admitted to testing positive for recreational drug use and served a one-month ban. The right-arm pacer recently returned to professional cricket and is set to represent South Africa in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia.

Rabada opened up about the situation ahead of the crucial clash and said he felt the need to clear the air and be transparent with his teammates. He acknowledged the situation was far from ideal but stressed that he would face it with maturity and responsibility.

"I think I owe it to them [to talk about what happened] — they're my teammates. We've come from so far, you know, and to my closest people, I owe it to them,” said Rabada to the media as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

“Look, this is not an ideal situation. I don't need too many pats on the back here. I'm going to be joining with them again. I've already spoken to them and I guess we can do so in more detail when we get together for an extended amount of time,” he added.

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Rabada had returned to South Africa during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, with the official reason cited as personal. However, it was later revealed that he had tested positive for a banned recreational substance, as per the code of the South African Institute of Drug-Free Sport. The positive test was recorded in January during the SA20 league.

Although he initially kept the matter private, Rabada served his suspension and then returned to play two more matches for Gujarat Titans (GT) after its conclusion. He admitted to the offence and received a lenient punishment due to his cooperation.

"It led me to a bit of introspection about myself, and I took some time away from the game. I think the biggest thing I took away from it is having gratitude for playing the game that we love. I'm just glad to be playing again… the process was handled really well," Rabada said.

The 30-year-old explained his decision to return early from the IPL while noting that it was in his best interest. Rabada also acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and admitted that he is prepared to live with that. Besides, Rabada issued a public apology and expressed remorse to fans and those close to him. He admitted that he will focus now firmly on representing South Africa again on the biggest stage.

"The decision to come back early [from the IPL] was brilliant, and that's a decision that I made. I could have tried to contest it and whatnot, but coming home was the best option, and I was in good hands. All the parties that were involved made the whole process smooth. I think, as a player, and a man, people will have their different opinions. I can live with that," he continued.

"As you would have seen in my statement there are some people who would have been disappointed. And to those people I'm deeply sorry. The people closest to me are the ones I felt I let down. But life moves on. I'll never be 'Mr-I-Apologise' too much. But I'll never condone that action,” Rabada concluded.