While fans were eagerly following the drama of the IPL and the buildup to international Test cricket, one of South Africa’s top fast bowlers, Kagiso Rabada, was quietly serving a suspension.
The reason? A banned substance found during routine testing earlier this year — a moment that caught many by surprise.
Cocaine Metabolite Detected During SA20 Drug Test
Back in January, after a SA20 clash between MI Cape Town and Durban’s Super Giants, Rabada provided a urine sample as part of standard post-match drug testing.
That sample tested positive for benzoylecgonine (BZE) — a metabolite of cocaine.
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) later confirmed that the 28-year-old had been handed a one-month ban due to this result.
While it’s technically a serious offense, Saids clarified that this wasn’t about performance enhancement, but rather a “substance of abuse.”
Saids Says Drug Cases in Cricket Are Extremely Rare
Speaking on the matter, Saids CEO Khalid Galant pointed out how uncommon this kind of drug violation is within South African cricket.
“There haven’t been any similar cases in recent years,” he said, highlighting how unusual Rabada’s case really is.
When it came time for Rabada to decide whether to test his ‘B’ sample — the backup option for athletes to dispute results — he chose not to.
According to Galant, it was a realistic move. “If you know you did it, it saves time and legal fees,” he explained.
Suspension Served Without Public Drama
Interestingly, Rabada completed the suspension in near silence.
After returning from a stint in India in early April, he served the ban quietly without much fanfare.
The timing meant that by the time news broke, he was already back in the game.
He has since rejoined the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League — although IPL action has been temporarily halted due to rising political tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir region.
Rabada Still Eligible for International Matches
Despite this hiccup, Rabada isn’t out of the international picture.
He remains eligible for selection by the Proteas and is expected to be part of the Test squad heading to London for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s next month.
His return comes at a time when South Africa is banking on its top talent to make a statement on the world stage.
A Wider Conversation Around Drugs in Sport
The incident has reignited conversations about drug use in professional sports, especially concerning recreational or non-performance-enhancing substances.
Authorities have been quick to stress the difference between substances of abuse — like cocaine — and those used to artificially boost athletic ability.
While the rules for both categories fall under anti-doping regulations, the approach and disciplinary outcomes often differ.
Was a One-Month Ban the Right Call?
The big question many fans and pundits are asking: Was a one-month ban really enough? Some believe the punishment fits the nature of the substance, especially since it wasn’t performance-related.
Others argue that high-profile athletes should be held to a stricter standard.