Kagiso Rabada tested positive for cocaine in a doping test and was banned for one month.
About a month after his suspension ended, the name of the drug Rabada took was revealed: the South African pace bowler had used the banned substance cocaine.
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) disclosed this information. After the appeal period against the punishment passed, SAIDS released a detailed report on Rabada’s doping test.
According to SAIDS, Rabada’s sample showed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. When cocaine is digested in the stomach, it turns into benzoylecgonine, which is then excreted through urine.
Rabada’s doping test was conducted on January 21 during the SA20 tournament. He played throughout the event and later represented South Africa in the Champions Trophy and also played in India’s IPL. The 30-year-old pacer was informed of the positive test result toward the end of March.
As a result, Rabada was banned for one month starting April 1. At that time, citing “personal urgent reasons,” he left the IPL and returned home. After serving his suspension, Rabada returned to the IPL earlier this month and himself confirmed the positive doping news.
The drug Rabada took was classified as “recreational” and did not contain any performance-enhancing substances. His punishment was reduced to one month due to his commitment to participate in educational programs and because the drug was taken on a non-match day.
After the ban, Rabada played two IPL matches but didn’t perform at his best. He then returned home without playing in the IPL playoffs, answering the call of the national team.
South Africa will face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final on June 11.
