Kagiso rabada issues statement on ‘drug usage’, suspended from cricket, IPL 2025 issues statement on absence

Exactly a month ago, Pesar Kagiso Rabada of Titans, Gujarat returned home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, in which the franchise labeled a ‘personal’ cause. However, the South African Speedster has now revealed that he had to return home due to the ‘provisional suspension’ on the use of recreational drugs. Rabada himself issued a statement, which also reveals that he also suggests that he would use it as an opportunity to reflect and improve it. It is not yet certain that if Rabada will resume GT before the end of the IPL season.

Statements from Kagiso Rabada as below:

“As mentioned, I recently returned to South Africa by participating in the IPL, for personal reasons.

“I am deeply sorry for all that I have let down. I will never take the privilege to play cricket. This privilege is much bigger than me. It is beyond my personal aspirations.”

“I am serving an provisional suspension and I am eager to return to the game I love.”

“I could not go through it alone. I want to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I want to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and lawyer. The most important thing is that I would like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.”

“While moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, I am working hard and playing with passion and devotion towards my craft.”

Kagiso.

The Titans of Gujarat, who thus enjoyed an unprecedented weather, issued a statement about Rabada returning home last month. Proteas Pace was a part of GT’s first two IPL 2025 matches against veteran Punjab Kings (PBK) and Mumbai Indians (Mi), taking one wicket each, but has been absent since then.

“Pesar Kagiso Rabada of Gujarat’s Titans has returned to South Africa from the ongoing season of Tata IPL due to some personal reasons. South Africa International Tata was a part of Gujarat Titans of the first two matches of IPL 2025. Kagiso Rabda has returned to South Africa to deal with an important individual case,” said the statement.

In the absence of Rabada, the choice of Mohammad Siraj, Prasad Krishna, Ishant Sharma and Gerald Koetzi has to share the weight of bowling attack for the franchise.