"I'll never be.."- Kagiso Rabada reacts to media on his suspension for recreational drug use

Kagiso Rabada faced a one-month suspension by Cricket South Africa.

Kagiso Rabada is all set to represent South Africa Cricket Team in the forthcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against Australia. The ICC WTC 2023-25 final will take place at the Lord’s, London from June 11.

Rabada recently completed his one-month suspension from cricket. The right-arm pacer was found guilty of using recreational drug during the SA20 tournament in January this year. As a result, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) handed him a one-month suspension in March 2025.

Rabada was active in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 when the incident happened. Hence, he returned to South Africa after playing two matches for his team Gujarat Titans (GT), citing personal reasons. Later, he returned to the tournament after completing his ban.

Kagiso Rabada reacts to his suspension

Ahead of the crucial ICC WTC 2023-25 final, Rabada reacted to media about his one-month suspension. Rabada said that he will have a detailed conversation with his teammates over the matter once they get free after the ICC WTC final.

“I think I owe it to them- they’re my teammates. We’ve come from so far, you know, and to my closest people I owe it to them. Look, this is not an ideal situation,” he said.

I don’t need too many pats on the back here. I’m going to be joining with them again. I’ve already spoken to them and I guess we can do so in more detail when we get together for an extended amount of time,” he further added.

Notably, Rabada shared an apology with the fans in an official statement after the incident. He is deeply sorry to people who were disappointed. However, he also added that he won’t be too much apologetic about the same as he needs to move on.

“As you would have seen in my statement, there are some people who would have been disappointed. And to those people I’m deeply sorry. The people closest to me are the ones I felt I let down. But life moves on. I’ll never be ‘Mr-I-Apologise’ too much. But I’ll never condone that action,” the 30-year-old further said.

Meanwhile, Rabada will be a crucial pacer for South Africa in the ICC WTC 2023-25 final against Australia. Rabada will lead the Proteas’ pace attack in the match. Temba Bavuma is the captain of the team. Australia will be led by Pat Cummins in the encounter.

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