Berliner Tageblatt - Ex-Zimbabwe cricket captain Williams treated for 'drug addiction'

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the 39-year-old all-rounder had made himself unavailable and would not be selected again.

Williams had recently withdrawn on the eve of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 in Harare.

"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 continued.

"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.

"After careful consideration, ZC has concluded that Williams will no longer be considered for national selection."

Williams has played 273 matches for Zimbabwe across all formats in an international career spanning two decades, but ZC confirmed that his contract will not be renewed beyond the end of 2025.

Since making his international debut in 2005, Williams has scored nearly 9000 runs and taken more than 150 wickets across all formats for Zimbabwe.

"ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades," the board said.

"Williams has played a pivotal role in some of the most significant moments in our recent history, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field. ZC wishes him strength in his recovery, and every success in his future endeavours."

B.Shevchenko--BTB