After returning to India, Kagiso Rabada can even be selected for the Gujarat Titans’ upcoming game against the Mumbai Indians on May 6 at the Wankhede, assuming everything goes according to plan.
Rabada will naturally be a member of the Titans’ team when they go to Mumbai on Sunday, May 4. On Saturday, May 3, the South African bowler returned to the Titans team in Ahmedabad. He admitted earlier in the day that he was on suspension after failing a dope test for recreational drugs.
Although the Titans have not issued a formal statement, it is believed that the team would consult Cricket South Africa (CSA) over the matter. When CSA and the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, the nation’s anti-doping organization, reopen their offices on Monday, May 5, clarity will be revealed.
The exact drug that Rabada ingested is unknown. It might be weed or cocaine. He would have been tested by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, which is reportedly planning to release a statement on Monday. That could provide additional information and show how Rabada’s violation of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) code fits in. Cocaine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/Ecstasy), heroin, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are all classified as recreational substances by WADA.
The WADA code states that if an athlete can prove that the ingestion happened outside of competition and that he has been away from competition for a month, then a one-month eligibility period is adequate. Given that regulation, it is no accident that Rabada returned precisely one month after departing for South Africa on April 3.
examines the pertinent WADA code, In accordance with Code Article 10.2.4.1, if an athlete can demonstrate that any intake or usage occurred outside of competition and had nothing to do with their performance in sports, they will be ineligible for three (3) months.
“In addition, the period of Ineligibility calculated may be reduced to one (1) month if the Athlete or other Person satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment program approved by the Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility.”
In the meanwhile, CSA described the situation as regretful in a statement. Kagiso Rabada, a right arm fast bowler for the Proteas Men, has returned an unfavorable analytical finding for using a prohibited substance, according to Cricket South Africa (CSA).
“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. We are steadfast in our support to all players in this regard.”
