IPL 2025: Kagiso Rabada Cleared to Return After Doping Ban, Set to Feature in MI vs GT Clash

After completing a drug rehab program to lift his temporary suspension, Kagiso Rabada has reportedly been given the all-clear to resume playing cricket.

By Emilia Blake 05 May 2025 in IPL Cricket

New Update

Kagiso Rabada — Photograph: (Source: News 18)

Before leaving for South Africa at the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), Kagiso Rabada played just two games for the Gujarat Titans (GT). He might return when GT plays the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday, April 6. The bowler tested positive for a "Substance of Abuse" following the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and the Durban Super Giants on January 21, according to a statement from the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), according to a report by Cricbuzz.

The South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) revealed in a statement that Rabada had failed a doping test on January 21 after MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants played in the SA20. On April 1, when he was in India playing for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, he received word of the outcome. For "personal reasons" at the time, the South African pacer had gone back home.

Kagiso Rabada to make a comeback:

Cricbuzz quotes the release, “Mr. Rabada tested positive for a Substance Abuse and was subsequently notified of the allegation of his doping offence on 1 April 2025. A provisional suspension was imposed, and Mr. Rabada returned immediately to South Africa from India."

🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨

Kagiso Rabada has served his 1 month ban and is available to play the rest of the IPL as well as the WTC Final

Rabada failed a doping test, for the use of a recreational drug, on 21 January and was notified about the result on 1 April 2025

So, back to it pic.twitter.com/KhfNxTP9CN
— Werner (@Werries_) May 5, 2025

Gujarat is now in a great position to go to the 2025 IPL playoffs. With seven victories and three losses from ten games, they are ranked fourth in the standings. Additionally, Kagiso Rabada will be ready for next month's World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa. With 47 wickets at an average of 19.97 during the 2023–2025 WTC cycle, the 29-year-old was South Africa's top wicket-taker. His success will be crucial to the Proteas' chances of taking home their first-ever WTC championship.

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