ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) have announced that they will not renew veteran all-rounder, Sean Williams’ national contract beyond its expiry on December 31.
ZC said the 39 year old, who checked himself into rehab, battling drug addiction, will no longer be considered for national selection as his behavior “raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards.
Recently, Williams withdrew from the national team on the eve of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Harare, reportedly dodging a drug test and soon after, checked himself into rehab.
“ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations. 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. After careful consideration, ZC has concluded that Williams will no longer be considered for national selection.
“Consequently, it is not feasible to continue his national contract beyond its expiry on 31 December 2025. Notwithstanding this, ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades.
“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,” read a statement from ZC.
Williams is Zimbabwe’s fifth all-time leading run scorer in international cricket with 8 968 runs in a career spanning 20 years. He has 14 centuries across all formats, the third most for the Chevrons, only behind Brendan Taylor (18) and Andy Flower (16).
With ball in hand, he has 161 wickets, the 10th most for the country in all formats. (Harare)