Zimbabwe’s Williams sacked over ‘drug addiction’

Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Sean Williams has officially retired from international cricket after entering a rehabilitation program to address drug addiction, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). The 39-year-old all-rounder, who has amassed nearly 9,000 runs and taken over 150 wickets across all formats, has made himself unavailable for national selection, prompting ZC to announce that he will no longer be considered for the team. Williams withdrew from the T20 squad ahead of the World Cup Africa Qualifier series in Harare in September, citing personal struggles. During an internal investigation, he disclosed his addiction and voluntarily sought rehabilitation. ZC acknowledged his contributions to Zimbabwean cricket over two decades, describing him as a pivotal figure in the sport’s recent history. However, the governing body emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to anti-doping regulations, noting Williams’ history of disciplinary issues and unavailability. His national contract will not be renewed when it expires on December 31. ZC expressed support for his recovery and wished him success in his future endeavors.