‘Drug addict’ Sean Williams’ Zimbabwe career ends after his decision to pull out of T20 World Cup qualifier

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced that Sean Williamson no longer will be considered for the national selection.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced that Sean Williams will no longer be considered for the national selection as the all-rounder’s drug addiction has become the reason behind his international career coming to an end. The veteran all-rounder, who was named in the Zimbabwe squad for the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, withdrew from the tournament on the eve of it.

Williams voluntarily entered rehabilitation to battle his drug addiction and after he pulled out from the tournament, Clive Madande was called up as a replacement. Zimbabwe Cricket Team defeated Namibia in the final of the tournament by seven wickets, booking their berth in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Williams last played for Zimbabwe in the T20I series against Namibia in September, where he slammed a 77-run knock in the third T20I.

Zimbabwe Cricket wishes Sean Williams a speedy recovery

In an official statement, Zimbabwe Cricket wished Sean William a speedy recovery. They also urged all national players to follow the highest standard of professionalism and discipline.

“ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery and every success in his future endeavours,” ZC said in a media release.

The statement also informed that Williams had a history of disciplinary-related issues and repeated unavailability, which has also impacted the team’s performance in the past. Moreover, his withdrawal from the T20I qualifiers tournament at the last moment raises “serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards”.

The board also added that they will not consider Williams for future assignments, and it would not be possible to continue with his national contract beyond its expiry on December 31, 2025.

Williams, who made his international debut long back in 2005, represented Zimbabwe in 24 tests, 164 ODIs, and 85 T20Is. He was active in all three formats this year and accounts for over 8000 runs in his international career.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.