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Zimbabwe star Sean Williams enters rehab after admitting drug addiction; Zimbabwe Cricket ends his central contract over disciplinary issues.

Sean Williams, a veteran batter for Zimbabwe, will not be able to represent his country after Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed that his central contract will not be renewed. The decision comes after Williams disclosed that he has been struggling with drug addiction and has begun treatment.

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) stated in an official statement that “a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, which has affected team preparations and performance.” Despite a stellar international career spanning more than 20 years and 273 appearances across formats, the board determined that Williams, 39, will not have his central contract renewed beyond 2025.

Prior to the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, Williams withdrew from the national team, initially citing personal reasons. ZC later disclosed that the veteran batter had admitted to battling drug addiction and had voluntarily entered treatment after an internal investigation into his absence.

“ZC expects all contracted players to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to team protocols and anti-doping regulations,” the board said. “While we commend him for seeking help, withdrawal from team duties in circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards.”

Williams has amassed over 8,000 international runs since making his debut in 2005, including 5,217 in ODIs at an average of 37.53, eight centuries and 37 fifties. He overtook James Anderson earlier this year to become the longest-serving current international cricketer.

Williams has frequently clashed with the board throughout his career. He first turned down a central contract in pursuit of chances abroad after leading Zimbabwe’s U-19 squad at the 2006 World Cup in Sri Lanka, but he changed his decision a few months later. Similar disagreements reappeared when he moved to South Africa again in 2008 before eventually returning.

His inconsistent attendance at a training camp and an unresolved disciplinary matter led to his exclusion from the Bangladesh tour in 2014, despite his impressive record against spin.

“ZC sincerely recognises and appreciates his invaluable contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades,” the statement concluded. “Williams has played a crucial role in many of the team’s defining moments, leaving behind a lasting legacy both on and off the field. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery and success in the next chapter of his life.”