Conrad defends Rabada WTC selection

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has staunchly defended fast bowler Kagiso Rabada after the player tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year. The said substance is reported to be cocaine.

Rabada served a one-month suspension starting April 1st for the offence.

The seemingly lenient sanction for the 29-year-old has sparked criticism. However, Conrad, who named Rabada in his 15-man squad for the World Test Championship final, is confident that the matter was handled by the book.

“So, I’ve been engaging with KG ever since I’ve learnt about it. I don’t know why it’s an elephant in the room, because I’m just thankful that the process that was followed was in line with what the world standards are,” Conrad said.

“So, it’s not for me or anybody else to question whether the process that was followed was the legitimate one, it was the legitimate one and he served whatever ban or whatever the consequences were and whatever was laid down by SAIDs and in line with what the World Anti-Doping Associations Authorities prescribed so everything is in line with that and we’re comfortable with that.”

Conrad added that omitting Rabada from the squad was never a consideration. His primary concern, he said, was Rabada’s well-being as a person.

Written by Ntsako Mukhari