IPL 2025: When Will Kagiso Rabada Join Gujarat Titans Camp After Suspension Due to Drug Use Revelation?

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South Africa and Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Kagiso Rabada has revealed the reason for his departure from the ongoing 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last month was related to a sanction for testing positive for a "recreational drug".

When Rabada returned home from the cash-rich league on April 3, GT released a statement stating that the 29-year-old flew back to South Africa "to deal with an important personal matter" without offering a time frame for his return.

Now, a report in CricBuzz has revealed that the Protea quick, who was a Rs 10.75 crore by GT, is indeed back in India exactly a month after departing the IPL 2025, ten days into the new season. The report further added that the pacer could soon be in action if all goes well.

According to a report in CricBuzz, Rabada could even be available for selection for Gujarat Titans's next match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Tuesday (May 6). The South African pacer, who rejoined the Titans squad in Ahmedabad on Saturday (May 3), is expected to be part of the GT squad that flies to Mumbai on Sunday (May 4).

While Gujarat Titans is yet to make any announcement regarding his return, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has issued a statement terming the incident as a regrettable one and added the board is fully committed to drug-free sport.

"Cricket South Africa (CSA) can confirm that Proteas Men right arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance," CSA statement read as quoted by CricBuzz.

"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."

The report further added that there will be more clarity on Rabada's availability on Monday (May 5) when the offices of CSA and South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport and the national anti-doping agency reopen after the weekend.

According to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, the quantum of punishment for usage of recreational drug could be anything between three months to four years. Substances such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA and cannabis fall in the category of 'Substances of Abuse'.

WADA recognizes they can be taken out-of-competition for reasons unrelated to sports performance. The use of such drugs carry a maximum of four-year ban but if a sportsperson can prove that the use occurred out-of-competition and is not related to performance enhancement, the ban could be reduced to three months with no need to further analyze the degree of fault.

The athlete's ban can be reduced to two months if he/she is willing to undertake a treatment program that is approved by South African Anti-Doping body. If the drug is taken in-competition but the athlete can prove the use was unrelated to performance, a two-year ban will be handed out as the infringement will be considered non-intentional.