Harare, Nov 4 (NationPress) Experienced Zimbabwe cricketer Sean Williams has been ruled out of national selection as Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has confirmed that his central contract will not be extended. This decision follows Williams' admission of his ongoing struggle with drug addiction and his subsequent entry into a rehabilitation program.

In a formal announcement, ZC highlighted “a pattern of disciplinary challenges and frequent unavailability, which have negatively impacted team dynamics and performance.”

The organization stated that Williams, aged 39, will not see his central contract renewed beyond 2025, despite his impressive international career that spans over two decades and includes 273 matches across various formats.

Williams had previously stepped away from the national team just before the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers, initially citing personal matters. However, ZC later disclosed that an internal investigation into his absence revealed his struggles with drug addiction, prompting him to voluntarily seek rehabilitation.

“ZC expects every contracted player to uphold the utmost levels of professionalism, discipline, and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping policies,” the board stated. “While we commend his initiative to seek assistance, his withdrawal from team responsibilities in situations involving potential testing raises significant concerns regarding professional and ethical standards.”

Since making his debut in 2005, Williams has accumulated over 8,000 runs internationally, including 5,217 in ODIs with an average of 37.53, complemented by eight centuries and 37 fifties. Earlier this year, he became the longest-serving active international cricketer, overtaking James Anderson.

Throughout his career, Williams has often found himself at odds with the cricket board. After leading Zimbabwe’s U-19 team in the 2006 World Cup in Sri Lanka, he initially turned down a central contract to pursue opportunities abroad, only to reverse his decision a few months later. Similar conflicts arose in 2008 when he briefly left for South Africa before returning.

In 2014, despite his impressive record against spin bowling, Williams was left out of the Bangladesh tour due to irregular attendance at a training camp and an unfinished disciplinary procedure.

“ZC sincerely acknowledges and values his significant contributions to Zimbabwean cricket over the last twenty years,” the statement concluded. “Williams has been pivotal in many of the team's key moments, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the pitch. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery and success in his future endeavors.”