Zimbabwe's former cricket captain Sean Williams has effectively been dropped from international cricket after entering a rehabilitation program for drug addiction. The 39-year-old all-rounder had pulled out of the T20 side before a World Cup Africa Qualifier series in September, prompting an internal investigation into his withdrawal.
Williams' struggles with addiction have led to disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, impacting team preparations and performance, according to Zimbabwe Cricket. A review of Williams' record showed a history of disciplinary issues, and the governing body said it was "not feasible" to continue his national contract when it runs out on December 31.
Despite this decision, Zimbabwe Cricket acknowledged Williams' immense contribution to the country's cricket over the past two decades, saying he has played a pivotal role in some significant moments. The board wishes him strength in his recovery and every success in his future endeavors.
Williams has scored almost 9,000 runs and taken more than 150 wickets across all three formats of the game for Zimbabwe. His decision to seek rehabilitation comes after he disclosed that he had been struggling with drug addiction during the internal investigation.
Williams' struggles with addiction have led to disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability, impacting team preparations and performance, according to Zimbabwe Cricket. A review of Williams' record showed a history of disciplinary issues, and the governing body said it was "not feasible" to continue his national contract when it runs out on December 31.
Despite this decision, Zimbabwe Cricket acknowledged Williams' immense contribution to the country's cricket over the past two decades, saying he has played a pivotal role in some significant moments. The board wishes him strength in his recovery and every success in his future endeavors.
Williams has scored almost 9,000 runs and taken more than 150 wickets across all three formats of the game for Zimbabwe. His decision to seek rehabilitation comes after he disclosed that he had been struggling with drug addiction during the internal investigation.
But it's tough on his career, you know? The T20 side, the World Cup Qualifier series... all that's gotta be put on hold now. Zimbabwe Cricket did the right thing by ending his contract though. Safety first, right? 
Still, it's a shame he won't get to represent the country in international cricket again 
I'm soooo sad that Sean Williams is being dropped from international cricket 
... I mean, who wants a team member affecting their performance and preparations due to personal issues? 
But, on the other hand, 9,000 runs and 150 wickets is still a bloody impressive record for Zimbabwe! 
And rehab can be super tough, so you gotta feel for the guy... I hope he gets his life sorted out soon, but also, what's gonna happen to Zimbabwe cricket now? 
. I hope Sean gets all the support he needs in his rehab program and that he'll come out stronger on the other side 
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. But sometimes you have to put the team first, and if that means letting someone go, then so be it 
.
but rehab is def a step in the right direction 
hope he gets his life back 2 normal soon 
At least it's good to see him getting help, hope he bounces back from this addiction thing. Not sure how the team is gonna fill that void though, he was definitely a key player for us 
. I mean, 9,000 runs and 150 wickets is no joke! You'd think that with all the pressure and success he's had, he could've handled his personal struggles better 
. I hope this rehab program helps him get back on track and that he comes out the other side stronger than ever 
...we'll all be rooting for you, Sean! 
still sad to see him go from intl cricket tho 
I get it, we've all struggled with stuff, but still... he was always so positive and inspiring on the field 
. The thing is, I wanna believe that he's gonna come out of this even stronger 
!
We should all be rooting for him, not just as a cricketer, but as a person who needs support and understanding. 
... i mean, it's not like he was getting paid enough to stay sober anyway 
. but seriously, rehab is a tough road and you gotta wonder if he's really going to make a comeback from this. 9k runs and 150 wickets? that's some serious talent wasted 
. and honestly, who needs players with demons like this in the team? it just looks bad for cricket, you know? Zimbabwe Cricket is being all nice about it, but at the end of the day, they gotta think about the team's reputation and what's best for their brand. poor sean williams... might as well retire now 
i feel bad for sean williams, he's gotta deal with some tough stuff 
i mean, we all make mistakes, but repeated unavailability & disciplinary issues can't just go unchecked 
zimbabwe cricket's decision seems fair imo, they're prioritizing the team's success & making sure everyone's on the same page 
good luck with rehab, sean! 
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, and he's been a major contributor to Zimbabwe's cricket scene. It's like, on one hand, safety first and all that, but on another hand, you gotta give him a chance to get his life back together 
. Either way, I wish him all the best in his recovery, 'cause we don't want anyone getting hurt on the field or otherwise