The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a final letter of demand to Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, threatening to auction his assets if he fails to settle his tax debt of over R2 million within 10 business days.
The letter is dated 14 August 2024 and warns Rabada that he owes R2 333 795 in unpaid taxes.
“According to the records of the SA Revenue Service you have failed to pay your tax debt for one or more tax years and tax periods… you are requested to make full payment within days from the date of this letter of demand,” the letter reads.
Rabada has been given 10 business days to make arrangements to settle the debt, or face legal action.
“Failure to make full payment or use the above remedies may result in the following actions and possibly other Sars may appoint any third party who presently or in the future will owe you money or hold money for you to settle your tax debt with this money.
"A civil judgment being entered against you in which case a warrant of execution may be issued for the sheriff of the court to attach and sell your assets,” the letter warns.
SARS spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko refused to comment on the matter, citing the Tax Administration Act which prohibits them from discussing private taxpayer information with third parties.
Rabada, one of South Africa's most prominent cricketers since making his debut for the Proteas in 2014, has yet to respond to the letter of demand.
Despite the financial pressure, Rabada continues to shine on the international cricket scene. He recently returned from a drawn Test series against the West Indies in Port of Spain, where he played a supporting role to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who claimed eight wickets.
However, Rabada is expected to be back in the spotlight in the second Test in Providence as he closes in on a significant milestone. Only Mitchell Starc has recorded more wickets than Rabada's 522 scalps since his international debut in 2014, and no seamer has amassed as many Test wickets as he has since his debut.
Rabada's consistency and remarkable wicket-taking rates have made him one of the most successful fast bowlers in the world. He has consistently performed at the highest level, enabling his rise to the 29th spot among the highest wicket-taking international seam bowlers.
With considerable game time left, Rabada could potentially finish as the most prolific South African pacer and one of the most successful international speedsters ever.
One of the highlights of Rabada's impressive Test exploits has been the pace at which he has adapted to the format. His bowling average fell below 24 for the first time in his 21st Test and remains well below that cut-off for over 40 successive Tests, currently at 22.07.
Rabada's wicket-taking rates with the red-ball are unprecedented, including all bowlers who have been at least half as successful as him in the format.
His bowling strike rate (average number of balls taken for every wicket) of 39.30 is the best of all 121 bowlers who have picked up at least 150 Test wickets.
