Former Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine questions handling of Kasigo Rabada’s drugs ban

There has been some consternation in Australian cricket circles about how Rabada’s positive test and return home were cloaked in secrecy, before he spoke publicly on his way back to the IPL.

“Not only will he play against Australia in the World Test Championship but he’s available to be playing now in the IPL,” Paine said. “No one knew about what he’s taken, what he was given or who the organising body was that oversaw it.

“If he is going to take drugs and be caught doing it, I think people deserve to know what he’s taken, how long he is being rubbed out for and who sanctioned it (the suspension). People need to be held to account for stuff like that.”

Under World Anti-Doping Authority regulations, a positive test is regarded as “out of competition” if the player can prove that the drug use took place before 11.59pm on the eve of competition and was not intended to enhance performance, reducing the penalty to three months from anywhere up to four years.

The penalty can then be commuted further, to one month, if the athlete completes a drug treatment program under the supervision of the relevant authority.

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“I couldn’t have gone through this alone,” Rabada said. “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.”

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