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The SA fast bowler is alleged to have tested positive for the use of a drug, which is not performance-enhancing, during the SA20 competition in January.
Kagiso Rabada of MI Cape Town. Picture: SA20
South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s departure from the Indian Premier League on April 3 was due to a “provisional suspension” after testing positive for a recreational drug, according to ESPNcricinfo.
The cricket site reported on Saturday that Rabada had tested positive for the non-performance enhancing drug during the SA20 competition in January.
The Proteas fast bowler plays for MI Cape Town in the SA20 and for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
‘Deeply sorry’
ESPNcricinfo quoted Rabada from a statement issued by the South African Cricketers’ Association (Saca), who said the bowler was serving a “provisional suspension”.
“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,” said Rabada 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.”
He goes on to say he “couldn’t have gone through this alone.”
He thanks his agent, CSA, and the Gujarat Titans for their support. He also says: “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.”
India Today reported on Saturday that Rabada has already returned to India following the “provisional suspension”.
‘Incident is regrettable’
Cricket South Africa confirmed late on Saturday that Rabada had “returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance.”
They added: “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 further said they are fully committed to drug-free sport and reminded cricket players, both professional and amateur, of the importance of adhering to all regulations.
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