South African spearhead Kagiso Rabada’s place in the WTC Final in doubt after returning positive drug test

One of the most devastating fast bowlers in world cricket has been banned after he tested positive to a recreational drug. More here.

Kagiso Rabada has returned a positive drug test. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images/Getty Images

The biggest threat to Australia winning back-to-back World Test Championships has been banned after testing positive to a banned substance.

South African superstar fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s place in the WTC Final hangs in the balance after it was revealed he tested positive to a recreational drug.

Rabada is one of the most devastating strike weapons in world cricket and has decimated Australia in the past – and if he were to be scratched from the WTC Final at Lord’s next month batsmen would be breathing a sigh of relief.

Think you’re a sports fanatic? Take the test. Play daily trivia for FREE on CODE Sports. Sign up here >

Kagiso Rabada during his stint at the Gujarat Titans this year. Picture: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images

After unexpectedly leaving his IPL team Gujarat due to “personal reasons”, the 29-year-old has now broken his silence and confirmed the reason for why he returned home.

Cricket South Africa is yet to confirm what “returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreation drug” means for his WTC Final hopes.

“I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” Rabada said in a statement.

“I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.

Rabada is deeply regretful. Picture: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

“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.

“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.”

Rabada’s positive test was reportedly registered during the summer’s SA20 tournament and is not for a performance enhancing drug.

The 29-year-old is one of the all-time greats of South African bowling and a giant in the modern game.

Originally published as South African spearhead Kagiso Rabada’s place in the WTC Final in doubt after returning positive drug test