The secret process that will allow superstar South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada take on Australia in the World Test Championship final despite a positive drugs test has been called out by former Test captain Tim Paine, who says it “stinks”.
Rabada could be back playing in the IPL in India this week after being ushered home from the tournament for “personal reasons” before revelations of his positive test to a recreational drug was revealed.
The positive test was recorded during the South African T20 league in January, but Rabada went to India and played for Gujarat Titans before taking a “provisional suspension” that is now over.
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.
That could then reduce the penalty to three months from anywhere up to four years and to as little as a month should Rabada complete a drug treatment program.
With that box seemingly ticked, Rabada will be back in action and in time to take on Australia at Lord’s in the WTC final in July.
Paine slammed the secrecy around the process that has been run by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport.
“It stinks,” Paine said on SEN Radio on Monday.
“Taking drugs – recreational or performance enhancing – is not a personal issue that can just be hidden for a month. A guy can be taken out of the IPL, moved back to South Africa and we just let it slide under the rug. Then we will bring him back once he’s already served his ban.
“Not only will he play against Australia in the World Test Championship, but he’s available to be playing now in the IPL.
“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.”
Rabada revealed the ordeal himself across the weekend.
“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.”
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