Kagiso Rabada cleared to return from drug ban ahead of World Test Championship final

The South Africa seamer was placed under a provisional suspension on 1 April after testing positive for a recreational drug

Kagiso Rabada (centre) will be able to feature in the World Test Championship final (Getty Images)

South Africa seamer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to return from a ban ahead of the World Test Championship final after testing positive for a recreational drug.

The 29-year-old was placed under a provisional suspension on 1 April after testing positive during a SA20 match in January, the South African Institute of Drug-free Sport (SAIDS) announced on Monday.

Rabada had been absent from the IPL for several weeks, missing a number of Gujarat Titans games, and revealed on Sunday that it had been due to his failed test.

The fast bowler accepted responsibility for the doping offence and served a one-month period of ineligibility, meaning he is now free to resume playing with South Africa’s clash with Australia at Lord’s little more than a month away.

Rabada also completed two sessions of a substance abuse treatment programme and a statement from SAIDS read: "The player has effectively served one month period of ineligibility and may now resume participation in sport."

Rabada's sanction is in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (Wada) punishment for use of a recreational drug - including cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine or diamorphine.

"I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down," Rabada said. "I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations."

The South African could be available for Gujarat’s next IPL fixture against the Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.

Rabada was a key protagonist in the Proteas’ resurgence in Test cricket in 2024, with his batting unexpectedly key against to a victory over Pakistan that ensured Temba Bavuma’s side booked their place in the World Test Championship final.

Rabada was South Africa's leading wicket-taker in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle with 47 wickets at an average of 19.97, and will lead the attack at Lord’s against Australia from 11 June.

Additional reporting by PA