'It stinks': Former Aussie captain whacks Kagiso Rabada, Proteas over handling of drug ban
Tim Paine has whacked Kagiso Rabada and Cricket South Africa, claiming there was an attempt to sweep his recreational drug ban "under the rug" before the news broke.
Rabada revealed over the weekend that he is serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for an unspecified substance.
The superstar quick was playing with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, but flew home to deal with an "important personal matter" after playing just two games.
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Speaking on SEN radio on Monday morning, the former Australian skipper launched an attack on all parties for trying to hide the truth.
South African bowler Kagiso Rabada. Getty
"It stinks," Paine said.
"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.
"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."
The 29-year-old is arguably the most important player in the Proteas set-up, having taken 327 wickets at Test level at an average of just 22.
Despite the ban, it's expected that Rabada will be available for the next month's World Test Championship final against Australia, which has left Paine even more furious.
Tim Paine. Getty
"Not only will play against Australia in the World Test Championship but he's available to be playing now in the IPL," the Tasmanian great said.
"No one knew about what he's taken, what he was given or who the organising body was that oversaw it. If he is going to take drugs and be caught doing it, I think people deserve to know what he's taken and how long he is being rubbed out for.
"People need to be held to account for stuff like that."
The clash between Australia and South Africa will begin on June 11 at Lord's.
