‘I am deeply sorry’: Kagiso Rabada confirms serving provisional suspension after testing positive for recreational drug

WHEN the Proteas’ premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returned home early due to personal reasons from the Indian Premier League last month, not much was read into his return.

However, in a statement released by the South African Cricketers’ Association on Saturday, it has been revealed that there was more to the 29-year-old’s early return from the IPL than the country thought.  

The SACA statement highlighted that the fast bowler returned after testing positive for a banned substance, and Rabada confirmed on Saturday that the substance taken was a “recreational drug”. 

The fast bowler is currently serving a provisional suspension, and it is not yet clear as to how long the suspension is.

“As has been reported, 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,” Rabada said in the statement.

“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.

“I am serving a provisional suspension, and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.

“I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’d also like to thank SACA 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.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, Cricket South Africa said in a statement: “Cricket South Africa can confirm that Proteas Men right-arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance.

“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.”

There is a little over a month to go to the highly anticipated World Test Championship final at Lord’s, and given Rabada’s expertise with the ball and his impact in the side, the news could prove to be a big blow for the Proteas Test team.

Shortly after the final, South Africa is scheduled to play two Tests in Zimbabwe, before going to India for another Test series, where Rabada would have been a key player for Shukri Conrad’s team.