Star Zimbabwe all-rounder's career shockingly ends amid battle with drug addiction

Star Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams' career shockingly ended amid his fight with drug addiction. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced that he would not be in the scheme of things anymore as far as the national team was concerned.

Sean Williams made himself unavailable ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025. The 39-year-old opened up about his drug addiction battles. He revealed his struggles and has entered rehabilitation voluntarily as well.

In a report, Zimbabwe Cricket stated that the reason for his withdrawal from the Qualifier tournament was found out through an investigation around his unavailability. The report added that the board expected all players who are contracted to uphold professionalism, discipline, and comply with anti-doping regulations.

It was further revealed that Sean Williams had a history of disciplinary issues and unavailability. As it has hampered the team's preparations in the past as well, the board decided that the veteran would no longer be in the running for national selection.

He has been recommended to seek help. However, with concerns regarding professional and ethical standards, the board has taken a firm call on his future in the team. Additionally, his contract will not be renewed after it comes to an end on December 31, 2025.

Zimbabwe Cricket also thanked Williams for his contribution to the country. The board also wished him for his recovery and future.

What are Sean Williams' numbers for Zimbabwe?

Sean Williams made his international debut in an ODI against South Africa in 2005. A year later, he made his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2006. His Test debut came several years later in 2013 against the West Indies.

From 164 ODIs, Williams scored 5217 runs at an average of 37.53 with eight hundreds and 37 fifties. He claimed 86 wickets with the ball in the format. Featuring in 85 T20Is, he made 1805 runs with 12 half-centuries and bagged 49 wickets. Williams played 24 Tests, scoring 1946 runs at an average of 45.25 with six hundreds and seven fifties.

He last featured in a T20I against Namibia on September 18, 2025. The left-hander scored 77 runs off 45 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

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