South African pacer Kagiso Rabada has been cleared to resume playing cricket after completing a substance abuse treatment program, following a positive test for a recreational drug earlier this year during the SA20 league.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed that Rabada tested positive for a “Substance of Abuse” after the SA20 match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants on January 21. He was officially notified of the result on April 1, leading to a provisional suspension and his immediate return to South Africa from India.

While SAIDS did not disclose the exact substance, its code lists recreational drugs such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ecstasy, and THC under its “Substances of Abuse” category.

Citing Article 10.2.4.1 of the SAIDS Code, the agency stated: “If the athlete can establish that the use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, the period of ineligibility is three months. This may be reduced to one month if the athlete completes a substance abuse treatment program approved by SAIDS.”

Rabada chose to participate in the approved program and successfully completed two sessions, allowing for an early end to his suspension.

“The player accepted responsibility for the doping offence and honoured his provisional suspension,” SAIDS said. “After completing his treatment program, the player has effectively served a one-month ineligibility period and is now cleared to participate in sport.”

Rabada is now eligible to return to action as soon as Wednesday, when Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

His case mirrors that of New Zealand cricketer Doug Bracewell, who served a similar penalty last year after testing positive for cocaine.