In a major development, star South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been handed a suspension due to his usage of recreational drugs. Rabada himself revealed that he had been handed a suspension after he released a statement.
Rabada was released mid-way through the IPL after testing positive for a banned substance. At the time, he returned to South Africa from the Gujarat Titans’ camp and went on to issue a statement through the South African Cricketers' Association.
"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,” Rabada said in the statement.
"I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations,” he added.
Furthermore, Rabada talked about the nature of his suspension, and apologised to his fans for letting them down. He also thanked Cricket South Africa, and Gujarat Titans’ support staff for supporting him during this time. According ESPNcricinfo, Rabada is back in India, but there is no information about when he would be available to play in the IPL.
"I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.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 like to 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,” Rabada said.
"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,” he concluded.