South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has finished a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance during the SA20 tournament earlier this year. The 28-year-old was suspended following the detection of benzoylecgonine (BZE), a metabolite of cocaine, in a urine sample taken after his MI Cape Town side played Durban’s Super Giants in January.
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) confirmed the positive test and the subsequent disciplinary action taken against Rabada.
A Rare Case in South African Cricket
Saids CEO Khalid Galant explained that Rabada’s test was conducted after the match, and the sample came back positive for a substance of abuse. “Positive drug tests are rare in South African cricket,” Galant noted, emphasizing that there have been no similar cases reported in recent years.
Rabada chose not to have his ‘B’ sample tested, a decision that Saids deemed pragmatic. Galant explained that it was a time-saving and cost-effective choice. “If you know you did it, it saves you time and legal fees,” he stated.
The fast bowler served his suspension quietly after returning from India in early April. He is now back with his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, the Gujarat Titans. However, the IPL has been suspended due to increasing tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, and no matches have taken place since last Thursday. Officials are expected to meet over the weekend to determine the future of the tournament.
Rabada’s Return to International Cricket
Despite the setback, Rabada remains eligible for international duty and is expected to join the Proteas squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in London next month.
While the incident has sparked conversations about drug use in professional sports, authorities have reiterated that the substance Rabada tested positive for is classified under “substances of abuse,” which has a different disciplinary approach compared to performance-enhancing drugs.
