Veteran Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams has informed Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) about his struggle with drug addiction. As a result, the 39-year-old will not be considered for future national team selection. His central contract, which expires this year, will also not be renewed.
In an official statement, ZC mentioned that Williams had “a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance.”
Williams has been one of Zimbabwe’s most experienced cricketers. He has played 24 Tests, 164 ODIs, and 85 T20Is. The Bulawayo-born player has scored 1946 Test runs, 5217 ODI runs, and 1805 T20I runs. With the ball, he has taken 26 wickets in Tests, 86 in ODIs, and 49 in T20Is.
Williams enters rehab after admitting addiction
Williams made his international debut in February 2005 against South Africa under Tatenda Taibu’s captaincy. Earlier this year, he completed two decades in international cricket, becoming the longest-serving active international cricketer, surpassing England’s James Anderson.
Recently, he had withdrawn from Zimbabwe’s squad ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, citing “personal reasons.” However, on Tuesday, ZC revealed that an internal investigation had been conducted to understand his absence. During the inquiry, Williams disclosed that he was battling drug addiction and had voluntarily entered rehabilitation.
“ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations,” the board said in its statement.
“While ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards,” it added.
Sean Williams’ last international match came in the three-match T20I series against Namibia. In the final game, he scored a brilliant 45-ball 77 on his home ground.
“ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,” the board said.
“Williams has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant moments in our recent history, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery, and every success in his future endeavours,” it added.
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