Articles by Andrew McMurtry

Technology

Ex-Zimbabwe cricket captain Sean Williams will never be picked again after drug addiction reveal

Williams, 39, has represented his nation in 24 Test matches, 164 ODIs and 85 T20 Internationals in a glittering career that has spanned more than 20 years. Watch Australia vs India T20I Series LIVE and ad-break free during play only on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. The talented all-rounder has 8968 runs across all formats — fifth most in the nation’s history — and 161 wickets — tenth most for Zimbabwe. He was also the world’s longest-serving active international cricketer. The news came through that Williams had recently withdrawn from Zimbabwe’s national team on the eve of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Harare last month. But Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed that the 20-year veteran would never be selected for the national team again after it was revealed he was being treated for drug addiction. “During an internal investigation to understand the reasons for his unavailability, Williams disclosed that he has been struggling with drug addiction and has voluntarily entered rehabilitation,” ZC continued. “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.” Williams had played 273 matches for Zimbabwe across all formats with ZC confirming that his contract will not be renewed beyond the end of 2025. While he had played all three formats, it was in ODIs that Williams was most successful, scoring 5217 runs at an average of 37.53 and 86 wickets at 47.63 in 164 matches. He also had 1946 runs (at 45.25) and 26 wickets in 24 Test matches and 1805 runs (at 23.75) and 49 wickets in 85 T20Is. He also captained all three formats. Since his debut, only Hamilton Masakadza and Sikandar Raza have played more games and only Brendan Taylor has scored more runs. “ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,” the board said. “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.” In September, Williams, who has been through the ups and downs of Zimbabwe cricket through his career, said, even though he is closer to the end of his career, that he’d like to be around for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa. “I can’t really speak about 2027 because I don’t know what will happen between now and then,” he said to ESPN. “ Playing cricket and having a family is tough. It’s been tough on Chantelle and she has done very well to keep it all together because she deals with what I bring back too. “And the girls are getting bigger. It’s always Dad this, Dad that, so when I am at home, it’s hard to manage cricket and family life. “But obviously, I’d like to be there. I also think having us senior players around is a great thing. “We don’t want too much to go on to the youngsters because they’re trying to find their feet in international cricket.”