‘We were allowed to use recreational drugs in IPL but...’: Robin Uthappa on Kagiso Rabada’s suspension

Former India cricketer and IPL star Robin Uthappa revealed that players were allowed to use recreational drugs in the Indian Premier League as long as it was within the prescribed limits.

 

In the podcast ‘The KimAppa show’ with Australian cricket writer Jarrod Kimber, while discussing the suspension of Kagiso Rabada from IPL 2025 for using a banned recreational drug, Uthappa said he wants to break the stigma attached to it.

 

The South African pacer left the IPL last month after playing two games for Gujarat Titans – who had bought him for Rs 10.75 crore – citing personal reasons. But, he later issued a statement through South African Cricketers' Association, that he left because he is serving a provisional suspension for using a banned recreational drug.

 

“Everyone has to know that it is allowed in sport and there's a certain degree that it's allowed in sport. So, there's a certain volume that players are allowed to use, especially marijuana,” Uthappa said in the podcast, while responding to Kimber’s question whether the use of recreational drugs in sports should be publicised and players punished, especially when it does not enhance the performance in any way.

 

“During the IPL, we have been told we all can use recreational drugs to a certain degree. You have to make sure it does not cross that degree. There's a certain volume that's allowed; that can be measured by the urine or blood samples. So, if you take it up to two days before a match to a certain degree, it doesn't show up,” Uthappa added.

 

Uthappa has played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and now defunct Pune Warriors.

 

Defending the use of recreational drugs by players, especially pacers, the former all-rounder said they use it as a pain relief. “You need something to help you relax, because you can't keep playing in pain. And this has been allowed by the boards that run the sport as it isn't performance-enhancing. It is actually muscle relaxing, to be honest.”

 

According to World Anti-Doping Agency code, the player or athlete can be punished for three months to four years for using recreational drugs.

 

Rabada’s statement did not mention which recreational drug he used. The 30-year-old was tested during the SA20 League in January-February (he plays for MI Cape Town). The suspension has put Rabada's participation in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June in limbo.

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