It stinks: Tim Paine slams secrecy around Rabada’s failed drug test

South African speedster Kagiso Rabada served a one-month ban, reduced from three months, for using a recreational drug during the SA20, held earlier this year, according to ESPNcricinfo. In a statement issued by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) confirmed, Rabada, who was representing MI Cape Town, had failed a doping test on January 2 following their fixture against Durban Super Giants.

The 29-year-old quick was notified of the decision on April 1 when he represented the Gujarat Titans in the 18th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. At that time, GT released a statement stating that Rabada flew back to South Africa "to deal with an important personal matter" without offering a time frame for his return.

According to ESPNcricinfo, SAIDS confirmed Rabada has since participated in an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse. He is expected to resume playing immediately and could return to on-field action as soon as Wednesday, when GT takes on five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI).