List Of Famous Players Who Have Been Suspended From Cricket For Banned Drug Usage

Kagiso Rabada and Shane Warne [Source: @ANI, @cricbuzz/x.com]

The South African pacer, Kagiso Rabada is known for his brilliant exploits with the ball. He has dominated the cricketing scene since his arrival into the highest level of the games. However, what turns out to be a shocking development, the Proteas speedster is facing a suspension after testing positive for the usage of a banned substance.

Notably, Rabada was a part of the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. However, after the first couple of games, he left the tournament for his homeland citing personal reasons. In a recent statement released by the pacer, it turns out that he is facing a suspension due to his banned substance usage. 

Johns.

@CricCrazyJohns

🚨 STATEMENT FROM KAGISO RABADA 🚨 - Rabada serving a provisional suspension after an adverse analytical finding of the use of a Recreational Drug.

May 3, 2025, 6:17 PM

Let us take a look at some of the cricketers who faced these charges before - 

1. Shane Warne 

The Australian legend and one of the greatest spinners to have ever graced the game of cricket, Shane Warne was known to have a colourful life. Besides being in the news for his brilliant spells and magic on the field, Warne often made it to the headlines for the wrong reasons.

During the World Cup 2003, Shane Warne was tested positive for using a banned substance and was suspended from cricketing action for a year. However, being the talent he is, Warne returned to cricket after the suspension achieved multiple unimaginable milestones and signed off as one of the greatest in the game. 

2. Wasim Akram

Another legendary name of the game and an absolute artist as far as bowling is concerned, Wasim Akram also admitted to cocaine usage. The left-arm Pakistani pacer in his autobiography - Sultan: A Memoir admitted that he took to cocaine usage post his retirement. 

In his own words, Akram craved the adrenaline rush of the competition and this ended with the death of his first wife, Huma in 2009.

3. Yusuf Pathan

The former Indian all-rounder and once known for his explosive batting, Yusuf Pathan is also one of the players who faced charges of using banned substances. The Indian cricketer failed a dope test and served a five-month suspension that ended in 2018. 

List Of Other Renowned Cricketers Who Were Charged With Drug Abuse

The list extends further, however these are some of the renowned cricketers. Kagiso Rabada is the latest addition to this infamous list. This incidents are unfortunate and the governing body of cricket needs to take steps to stop further such incidents. 

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Kagiso Rabada Suspended Due To Use Of A Banned Drug; IPL Participation In Doubt

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