Will Kagiso Rabada play IPL 2025 and WTC Final 2025?

Kagiso Rabada’s IPL 2025 campaign came to a halt on April 3 when he returned to South Africa citing a “significant personal matter”. It has now emerged that the real reason was a provisional suspension following a positive test for a recreational drug during the SA20 earlier this year, where he represented MI Cape Town.

Rabada has since admitted to the transgression and issued a public apology through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), expressing regret and reaffirming that he won’t take the privilege of being a cricketer for granted. The South African Agency for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), which operates under WADA guidelines, is currently handling the matter, with a formal statement expected soon.

Kagiso Rabada is unlikely to miss WTC Final!

While the Gujarat Titans (GT) are doing fantastic even without Rabada at IPL 2025, what is fascinating to know is if the star pacer would be available for South Africa in their all-important World Test Championship (WTC) Final. The WTC Final will be played at the iconic Lord’s Stadium from June 11-14. That is basically just a month over from now.

While the duration of Rabada’s suspension is yet to be confirmed, ESPNcricinfo reports that the case is expected to mirror similar precedents—such as Doug Bracewell’s one-month ban for cocaine use, which was reduced after a treatment programme. Importantly for South Africa, sources close to Cricket South Africa have indicated there is no concern over Rabada’s availability for the World Test Championship final against Australia.

As for the IPL 2025, it can be confirmed that Rabada has already re-entered India. In all probability, Rabada’s absence from IPL 2025 may be limited to just a few matches. Unless WADA intervenes with a harsher penalty, he remains on track to feature in the IPL 2025, let alone the WTC Final.