Reason behind Kagiso Rabada’s early exit from IPL 2025 revealed; cricketer issues statement

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada put out a statement on Saturday revealing that he facing provincial suspension by Cricket South Africa. The 29-year-old played a handful of games for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2025 season before returning home. The reason stated by the team was ‘personal reason’. 

As per ESPN Cricinfo, Rabada had apparently used ‘recreational drug’ during the SA20 tournament earlier this year. The right-arm pacer was part of the MI Cape Town side which went onto win the tournament. Cricinfo also reported that Rabada is now back in India and that seems to be a huge boost for the Titans’ side. 

It is also a welcome relief for South African cricket as they get set to play Australia in the World Test Championship finals. Pat Cunmmins led-Australia are the defending champions as they take on Temba Bavuma’s side in the massive game at Lord’s Cricket Ground starting on 11th June.

Kagiso Rabada’s statement regarding his ‘suspension’ 

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada’s statement via South African Cricketers Association (SACA) read “As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons. This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug. I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing".

🚨 STATEMENT FROM KAGISO RABADA 🚨

- Rabada serving a provisional suspension after an adverse analytical finding of the use of a Recreational Drug. pic.twitter.com/Odyx04x1fl

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 3, 2025

The statement went onto read, “I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’d also thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love. Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft."

It isn’t clear when Rabada will be cleared to play in the IPL as the Titans stand on the cusp of making it to the playoffs. On Friday, Shubman Gill and his side beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 38 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This win puts GT joint top of the table with Mumbai Indians on 14 points.