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Zimbabwe Cricket ends Sean Williams' contract
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Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced that it will not renew veteran all-rounder Sean Williams' national contract when it expires on December 31, citing disciplinary concerns and breaches of professional standards.
The 39-year-old, who recently checked himself into a rehabilitation centre for drug addiction, will no longer be considered for national selection. ZC said Williams' recent conduct, including his sudden withdrawal from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Harare, raised "serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards."
"ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations," read the statement.
"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."
The board added that after thorough deliberations, it had resolved not to extend Williams' national contract beyond its expiry date.
"Consequently, it is not feasible to continue his national contract beyond its expiry on 31 December 2025. Notwithstanding this, ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades. 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."
Williams, who made his international debut in 2005, is Zimbabwe's fifth-highest run scorer across formats with 8,968 runs. He has 14 centuries to his name - the third most by any Zimbabwean, behind Brendan Taylor (18) and Andy Flower (16).
With the ball, he has taken 161 wickets in international cricket, ranking 10th among Zimbabwe's all-time wicket-takers.
Despite his off-field troubles, Williams remains one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, having served as a key figure in Zimbabwe's batting line-up for nearly two decades.
The 39-year-old, who recently checked himself into a rehabilitation centre for drug addiction, will no longer be considered for national selection. ZC said Williams' recent conduct, including his sudden withdrawal from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Harare, raised "serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards."
"ZC expects all contracted players to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and compliance with team protocols and anti-doping regulations," read the statement.
"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."
The board added that after thorough deliberations, it had resolved not to extend Williams' national contract beyond its expiry date.
"Consequently, it is not feasible to continue his national contract beyond its expiry on 31 December 2025. Notwithstanding this, ZC sincerely acknowledges and appreciates his immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket over the past two decades. 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."
Williams, who made his international debut in 2005, is Zimbabwe's fifth-highest run scorer across formats with 8,968 runs. He has 14 centuries to his name - the third most by any Zimbabwean, behind Brendan Taylor (18) and Andy Flower (16).
With the ball, he has taken 161 wickets in international cricket, ranking 10th among Zimbabwe's all-time wicket-takers.
Despite his off-field troubles, Williams remains one of the most talented and influential players of his generation, having served as a key figure in Zimbabwe's batting line-up for nearly two decades.
Source - The Chronicle
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