South Africa's Kagiso Rabada Tests Positive for Recreational Drug

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada admits to failing a drug test, apologizes for his actions, and vows to bounce back stronger.

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada admitted to failing a drug test and apologized for his actions. Rabada, currently second in the world Test bowling rankings, revealed he was serving a “provisional suspension” without providing further details.

Kagiso Rabada was serving a 'provisional suspension'. ESPNcricinfo has learned that his transgression took place during the SA20, during which he represented MI Cape Town, and that he had used a recreational drug and not a performance-enhancing drug

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— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 3, 2025

“I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons,” Rabada said. “This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.”

Kagiso Rabada apologized for his actions, expressing remorse for letting people down. “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.”

Despite the controversy, Rabada expressed his eagerness to return to the game, though no formal suspension has been announced by the IPL or the ICC.

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has revealed he is serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug. pic.twitter.com/nmM3km16Cc

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 3, 2025

Rabada expressed determination to move forward positively, saying, “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.”

Rabada is set to lead South Africa's attack in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's from June 11-15. Notably, Rabada recently reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets.