Recreational drug for which Rabada was suspended turns out to be cocaine

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada served a one-month suspension when he tested positive for a recreational drug during the Betway SA20 T20 competition earlier this year. The drug was revealed to be cocaine by the South African Institute by Drug Free Support  (SAIDS).

Rabada was tested on January 21, 2025, following a match between MI Cape Town and Durban SuperGiants. His sample tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, which is classified as a recreational drug and is prohibited under the SAIDS Anti-Doping Rules.

He was formally notified of the doping violation on April 1, 2025, and was provisionally suspended from all cricket activities. Rabada, who was in India at the time, returned immediately to South Africa.

Under Article 10.2.4.1 of the SAIDS Anti-Doping Rules, athletes who can prove the substance was taken out-of-competition and unrelated to performance enhancement are eligible for a reduced sanction. Furthermore, if the athlete successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program, the suspension can be further reduced to just one month.

Rabada completed two sessions of a SAIDS-approved treatment program, after which his provisional suspension ended. As a result, no further adjudication was required, and Rabada served a one-month period of ineligibility, beginning April 1, 2025.