Rabada eligible to play now having completed 'substance abuse treatment program'

Kagiso Rabada was found to have used a recreational drug during the SA20 league earlier this year, with the violation officially communicated to him in April while he was playing for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He then returned to South Africa, successfully completed a treatment program, and has now been cleared to play again. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) revealed that Rabada was tested after the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants on January 21. The test returned positive for a "Substance of Abuse," and he was notified on April 1, at which point a provisional suspension was enforced. The specific drug wasn't disclosed, but SAIDS guidelines identify substances like cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and THC under this category. According to the SAIDS Code, if an athlete proves the drug use happened outside of competition and wasn't related to performance enhancement, the suspension can be reduced to three months—or even one month upon completing an approved treatment program. Rabada took responsibility and fulfilled the conditions of the program, which involved two sessions. With that, his suspension was lifted, having served a one-month ban, and he is now eligible to return to cricket.