Sean Williams’ storied international career has hit an abrupt end. The 39-year-old all-rounder, one of Zimbabwe’s most seasoned campaigners, has been withdrawn from selection after admitting to struggling with drug addiction.
Williams’ absence from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 in Harare initially raised eyebrows, with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) launching an internal probe to understand his sudden unavailability.
What followed was a revelation few saw coming, one that has left a deep mark on Zimbabwe’s cricketing circles and brought an unceremonious close to the career of a player who debuted back in 2005 and gave nearly two decades to the national side.
Zimbabwe Cricket ends Sean Williams’ career following rehab confession
ZC confirmed in its statement that Williams had voluntarily entered rehabilitation after disclosing his addiction struggles during the inquiry.
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 expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations,” the board said.
The statement further noted that Williams’ past conduct had raised concerns within the setup, with his repeated absences and disciplinary lapses affecting Zimbabwe’s overall preparation and balance.
“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.”
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Williams’ contract, set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, will not be renewed. The veteran featured in 24 Tests, 164 ODIs, and 85 T20Is, amassing 8,968 runs and taking 161 wickets, a record that cements his legacy, even as his career ends under difficult circumstances.
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