Sean Williams checks into rehab to tackle drug addiction as Zimbabwe affirm to not consider him for selection.
Sean Williams in rehab for drug addiction, will not be considered for Zimbabwe selection.
After disclosing to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) that he has been battling drug addiction, veteran Zimbabwean hitter Sean Williams will not be eligible for national selection and his central contract will not be renewed.
ZC mentioned “a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance” in a statement.
Over the course of his more than 20-year international career, Williams, 39, has played 273 games for Zimbabwe in all formats. However, ZC has stated that his contract will not be extended past the end of 2025.
“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.”
Williams, on the other hand, was often involved in disputes and had a strained relationship with ZC. Despite leading the U-19 team to victory over England in the World Cup in Sri Lanka in February 2006, there were speculations before and during the competition that he was dissatisfied with the board. The next month, Williams declined a central contract in favour of seeking a more stable career abroad. But three months later, he had second thoughts and decided to play again for Zimbabwe. The intermittent farrago made a comeback in 2008 when he left once more to sign a contract in South Africa, only to return a few weeks later.
“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.”