Former Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams is being treated for drug addiction and will not play for the country again, the national cricket board has said.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the 39-year-old all-rounder had made himself unavailable and would not be selected again.
Williams had recently withdrawn on the eve of the ICC Men鈥檚 T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 in Harare.
鈥淒uring 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,鈥 ZC continued.
鈥淎 review of Williams鈥 record indicates a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance.
鈥淲hile ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards.
鈥淎fter careful consideration, ZC has concluded that Williams will no longer be considered for national selection.鈥
Williams has played 273 matches for Zimbabwe across all formats in an international career spanning two decades, but ZC confirmed that his contract will not be renewed beyond the end of 2025.
Since making his international debut in 2005, Williams has scored nearly 9000 runs and taken more than 150 wickets across all formats for Zimbabwe.
鈥淶C sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,鈥 the board said.
鈥淲illiams 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.鈥
Agence France-Presse
Where to get help:
鈥 0800 METH HELP (0800 6384 4357)
鈥 Alcohol Drug Helpline (Phone 0800 787 797 or text 8681)
鈥 They also have a M膩ori line on 0800 787 798 and a Pasifika line on 0800 787 799
鈥 How to stay safer if you're using drugs:
鈥 Where to get your drugs checked:
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