South Africa’s cricket fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada has been provisionally suspended by Cricket South Africa (CSA) after his testing positive for a banned substance, which is a recreational drug.
This was confirmed in a statement released by CSA on Saturday, but however didn’t specify the duration of the suspension.
Rabada committed the offence during the SA20 earlier this year, when he represented MI Cape Town in that tournament.
“Cricket South Africa can confirm that Proteas Men right arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has returned an adverse analytical finding for the use of a prohibited substance.
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,” read the statement from CSA.
Rabada prematurely left the Indian Premier League last month where he featured for the Gujarat Titans.
At the time, the team and the bowler announced that his departure was due to an “important personal matter that forced him to return home.”
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Rabada has since apologised and expressed regret for the incident.
“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.
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,” said Rabada in a statement.
The news is a big blow for the Proteas, as Rabada might miss next month’s ICC World Test Championship match scheduled to be played between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s, London.
Rabada has been pivotal for the Proteas, taking 327 wickets at an average of 22 from 70 Tests.
He has managed 168 dismissals in 108 ODIs and 71 wickets in 65 T20 internationals.
