Veteran cricketer Sean Williams, one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished players, has revealed he is battling drug addiction, prompting Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) to end his eligibility for national selection and confirm that his contract will not be renewed beyond 31 December 2025.
The announcement followed Williams’ withdrawal on the eve of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 in Harare, a move that came amid potential anti-doping testing. His sudden unavailability triggered an internal investigation by ZC to determine the reasons behind his decision.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ZC said Williams had disclosed his ongoing struggle with substance abuse and had voluntarily entered rehabilitation. The board acknowledged his honesty and decision to seek help but emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“While we commend him for taking steps toward recovery, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards,” ZC said.
Williams’ case comes after what the cricket body described as a “history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability”, which has affected team preparations and overall performance. As a result, the board stated that it had “concluded that Williams will no longer be considered for national selection.”
Despite the decision, ZC expressed gratitude for Williams’ long service to Zimbabwean cricket, calling his two-decade career “a lasting legacy both on and off the field.”
Williams has been a cornerstone of the national team, his career includes memorable performances across formats, helping Zimbabwe maintain competitiveness on the global stage during challenging periods.
ZC said it remains committed to upholding strict professional and anti-doping standards, noting that players carry an obligation to maintain discipline and integrity both in competition and personal conduct.
While the news marks a difficult chapter for Zimbabwe cricket, the board expressed hope for Williams’ personal recovery.
“ZC wishes him strength in his recovery and every success in his future endeavors,” the statement concluded.
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