‘It stinks': Paine questions Rabada drugs episode
Former Australian captain Tim Paine has questioned the process under which South Africa's Kagiso Rabada tested positive for recreational drug use but is set to return to play as early as this week after serving a suspension.
Rabada revealed on Saturday night that a positive drugs test and subsequent provisional ban were the reasons why he abruptly left the Indian Premier League at the end of March. The positive test was recorded during the South Africa Twenty20 league in January.
While apologising for his actions, Rabada also indicated that 'I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing'.
The South African Institute for Drug Free Sport is set to clarify Rabada's case later on Monday, but the 29-year-old fast bowler has already returned to the Indian Premier League and may play as soon as this week for Gujarat Titans.
He will then be eligible to play in the world Test championship final against Australia at Lord's in June. Paine questioned how the episode was handled.
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'It stinks,' Paine said on his SEN Radio breakfast show. 'I don't like this use around personal issues, and it being used to hide stuff that isn't a personal issue. If you have a professional sportsman that's tested for recreational drugs during a tournament in which he is playing, that doesn't fall under personal issues for me.
'That falls under you have broken your contract. That is not a personal issue, that is something that is happening in your personal life.
'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 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.'
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