Veteran all-around player Sean Williams has talked to Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) about his battles with substance abuse. Consequently, the 39-year-old will no longer be eligible for selection to the national squad. When Williams’ primary deal expires this year, it won’t be extended either.
ZC mentioned “a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has impacted team preparations and performance” in a statement.
Sean Williams has played for the Chevrons in 85 T20Is, 164 ODIs, and 24 Test matches.
In the three versions, his total runs have been 1946, 5217, and 1805, respectively. The Bulawayo native has taken 26, 86, and 49 wickets with the ball in Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, respectively.
In February 2005, under Tatenda Taibu’s guidance, Sean Williams made his debut for his country in Johannesburg against South Africa. He recently reached the milestone of 20 years in international cricket, overtaking James Anderson as the player with the longest active career.
Prior to the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, Sean Williams had most recently stated “personal reasons” for his withdrawal from the Zimbabwean team. To gain more insight into Sean Williams’ absence, ZC said on Tuesday that they had carried out an internal investigation. Following this, the seasoned cricket player told the board that he had been battling drug addiction and had voluntarily checked himself into a rehab facility.
“ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations,” the board stated in its press release.
“While ZC commends him for seeking rehabilitation, withdrawal from team commitments under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards,” it stated.
The three-match Twenty20 International series against Namibia was Sean Williams’ final outing for his country. He hammered a 45-ball 77 on his home field in the third and final Twenty20 International.
“ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,” the board stated.
“With a lasting impact on and off the field, Williams has been instrumental in some of the most important events in our recent history. ZC hopes he recovers well and that all of his future endeavors are successful,” it continued.
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