Kagiso Rabada Faces R23-Million Loss After IPL Drugs Ban

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has suffered a massive financial blow, losing an estimated R23 million in earnings after testing positive for a banned recreational substance during the 2025 IPL season.

Rabada left the Indian Premier League (IPL) in late March under what was then labelled as “personal reasons.” However, it has since come to light that the reason behind his abrupt departure was an adverse drug test result — widely rumoured to be cannabis-related, though the exact substance remains undisclosed.

According to Cash N Sport, a reputable sports business journalist, Rabada’s exit meant he could not fulfil his lucrative contract with the Gujarat Titans, leading to the significant earnings loss.

KG Rabada’s weed ban is proving to be very costly.

That’s a loss of R23 million before tax for KG and about R4.6 million loss for CSA (they get a 20% share of each player’s deal)

A very expensive joint.. pic.twitter.com/srxTZ0G9r8

— Cash N Sport (@CashNSport) May 5, 2025

One-Month Ban Already Served

It’s now been confirmed by CricInfo that Rabada quietly served a one-month ban, reduced from an original three-month sanction. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) noted that he has completed an education and awareness program, which is part of the process for return in cases involving recreational, rather than performance-enhancing, substances.

Rabada has since returned to India and is once again eligible to play, although he has only featured in two matches for the Titans this season.

Rabada: “This Moment Will Not Define Me”

In a public statement issued by Cricket South Africa (CSA), Rabada expressed deep regret over the incident.

“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” he said. “I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This moment will not define me.”

He thanked his agent, CSA, the Gujarat Titans, and the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) for their support during the ordeal.

Rabada also noted the role of his family and friends, whose understanding helped him through what has clearly been a challenging time both personally and professionally.

What This Means for Rabada and South African Cricket

While this incident may impact Rabada’s image in the short term, his swift return to professional cricket suggests that both CSA and the IPL franchise remain supportive. His efforts to complete the necessary educational steps also speak to a player willing to learn and move forward.

The 29-year-old still has plenty of cricket ahead of him and remains one of South Africa’s premier fast bowling assets. Fans and analysts alike will now be watching to see how he bounces back, both on and off the field.

{Source: The South African}

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