Guitar Titans' Rabada Available for IPL Playoffs After Suspension

Kagiso Rabada, the star South African pacer, has been cleared to resume cricket after a one-month suspension, and will be available for the World Test Championship final and IPL playoffs.

Kagiso Rabada, the South African fast bowler, has been cleared to resume cricket after serving a one-month suspension for testing positive for a recreational drug. The suspension was reduced from three months to one month after Rabada completed a treatment program as required by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).

Rabada is now eligible to participate in the IPL playoffs for Gujarat Titans and is expected to be available for South Africa's World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's in June. Gujarat Titans' Director of Cricket, Vikram Solanki, confirmed that Rabada will be available for their upcoming match, starting with their game against Mumbai Indians.

South African cricketer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return to action after testing positive for a recreational drug. pic.twitter.com/fMihartV5U

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 5, 2025

With 327 Test wickets to his name, Rabada's return to the field is anticipated to bolster both his IPL franchise and the South African national team. Rabada expressed deep regret over the incident and acknowledged the support of his team, agent, and legal counsel during the ordeal, emphasizing his commitment to returning to the sport with renewed passion and dedication.

“With Kagiso, as far as tomorrow's match is concerned, the fact is he is now available given all the decisions that have been taken and whatever has transpired over the past month or so,” Solanki told reporters ahead of Tuesday's match against the Mumbai Indians.

'He has served his time and expressed regret'

Kagiso Rabada has returned to India and is available to play against Mumbai Indians ⚡ pic.twitter.com/BeqmoNkVRO

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 5, 2025

”He will take his lessons from this, and we're just looking forward to having him back part of our group, having him back in practice. He's served his time.”

Kagiso Rabada tested positive for a recreational drug during South Africa's domestic Twenty20 league in January, according to the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS). He publicly admitted to failing the drug test on Saturday.

Rabada has served his suspension and is now cleared to resume cricket. He'll be available for Gujarat Titans in the IPL and for South Africa's World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's from June 11th to 15th.