Zimbabwe News Update
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5 min read
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has criticised Zimbabwe Cricket’s handling of national team veteran Sean Williams’ situation, describing it as harsh and lacking compassion following the board’s announcement that the player will no longer feature for the national side.Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed that Williams, 39, would not play for the national team again after revealing his struggle with drug addiction and entering rehabilitation.
The statement followed his sudden withdrawal from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025.In its official communication, ZC cited what it called “a history of disciplinary issues,” “repeated unavailability,” and “concerns over his withdrawal coinciding with potential drug testing.” The board also stated that Williams’ central contract would not be renewed beyond December 2025.Mayor Coltart, who served as Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture during the Government of National Unity, expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of empathy in the way ZC handled the matter.
He questioned the tone and timing of the statement, calling for accountability and transparency in the cricket body’s approach to player welfare.“Sean Williams’ treatment by Zimbabwe Cricket feels more like a public purge than a professional resolution,” Coltart said. “The timing, tone, and framing of their statement raise serious questions about how such sensitive matters are managed.”Coltart questioned why the board had maintained Williams’ contract if there were longstanding concerns about his conduct and suspected substance use. He also asked why the institution waited until his tournament withdrawal to act. “If Zimbabwe Cricket knew about disciplinary issues and suspected drug use, why was he still contracted until now?
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