HARARE — Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams has entered drug rehabilitation after withdrawing from Zimbabwe’s national cricket squad on the eve of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Harare, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said Tuesday.
ZC said the 39-year-old had “made himself unavailable for national selection,” adding that his withdrawal coincided with potential anti-doping testing.
“During an internal investigation to understand the reasons for his unavailability, Williams disclosed that he has been struggling with drug addiction and has voluntarily entered rehabilitation,” ZC said in a statement.
The board said it “expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations.”
ZC noted that a review of Williams’ record “indicates a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance.”
“While ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards,” the statement read.
Following deliberations, ZC announced that Williams “will no longer be considered for national selection,” and that “it is not feasible to continue his national contract beyond its expiry on December 31, 2025.”
Despite the decision, the board acknowledged Williams’ long-standing service.
“ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,” it 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.”
Williams’ case draws parallels with that of former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor, who in 2022 admitted to a cocaine addiction and accepted a three-and-a-half-year ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching anti-corruption regulations.
Taylor revealed he had been blackmailed by Indian businessmen who filmed him using cocaine after luring him with a fake sponsorship deal. He later disclosed his struggles with substance abuse and mental health, saying he had delayed reporting the approach to the ICC due to fear and shame.
Taylor returned to the Zimbabwe set-up in July this year.
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