Former Australian captain Tim Paine has taken a firm stance on the recent controversy surrounding South African pacer Kagiso Rabada’s failed drug test, calling out the lack of transparency in how the matter has been handled. Over the weekend, Rabada revealed that he had tested positive for a banned recreational drug and is currently serving a provisional suspension. The news stunned fans and experts alike, especially given the discreet nature of how it was managed.
Rabada abruptly left the ongoing IPL 2025 last month after featuring in just two matches for the Gujarat Titans, citing “personal reasons.” However, Paine believes that such terminology only serves to obscure the truth.
“It stinks,” Tim Paine said bluntly on SEN Radio. “I don’t like this habit of calling things ‘personal issues’ when in reality, they involve breaches of professional conduct. If a player tests positive for recreational drugs during a tournament, that’s not a personal matter — it’s a contract violation.”
ALSO READ: Arshdeep Singh Recalls Key Marsh Dismissal as Nehal Wadhera’s Catch Turns the Tide
According to reports, the failed test stems from the SA20 League held in January. Paine expressed frustration at the way Rabada was quietly removed from IPL action and flown back to South Africa without any public acknowledgement of the situation.
“This is a serious issue,” Tim Paine continued. “You can’t just hide it for a month and then bring him back when the suspension is up. The public and the fans deserve to know what he tested positive for, how long the ban is, and who made the decision.”
Former Australian captain Tim Paine did not mince words when talking about Kagiso Rabada’s drug suspension pic.twitter.com/lB0T978IDO
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) May 5, 2025
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, recreational drug use can result in suspensions ranging from three months to four years, depending on intent and circumstances. Substances like cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and cannabis fall under WADA’s ‘Substances of Abuse’ list — considered non-performance enhancing but still banned.
ALSO READ: Karun Nair Stresses Importance of Winning Crucial Moments as Delhi Capitals Chase IPL Playoff Spot
If Rabada can prove the drug use occurred out of competition and wasn’t aimed at enhancing performance, the penalty could be reduced to as little as three months. Additionally, the suspension might be further shortened if the athlete agrees to complete a rehabilitation program sanctioned by the South African Anti-Doping body.
Despite the ongoing suspension, Rabada is reportedly still in contention for South Africa’s squad in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia in June — a detail Paine finds concerning.
“If he’s returning to top-level cricket soon, people deserve answers,” said Tim Paine. “You can’t sweep it under the rug. Accountability matters — especially when it involves a player as prominent as Rabada, who’s represented South Africa in over 240 international matches, including 70 Tests.”
Paine’s comments underscore a growing call for transparency and accountability in drug-related cases within international cricket, especially when elite athletes are involved.
