Zimbabwe’s veteran batter Sean Williams has been ruled out of national selection after revealing that he is undergoing rehabilitation for drug addiction.

In a statement this week, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed that Williams, 39, had voluntarily entered rehab and that his central contract will not be renewed beyond 2025. The board cited: “a history of disciplinary issues and repeated unavailability” that affected team performance and preparations.

Williams, who withdrew from the squad ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers citing: “personal reasons,” reportedly disclosed his addiction during an internal investigation. ZC said it: “commends him for seeking rehabilitation” but noted that his withdrawal: “under circumstances involving potential testing raises serious concerns regarding professional and ethical standards.”

A mainstay of Zimbabwe’s batting lineup for two decades, Williams made his international debut in 2005 and went on to score more than 8 000 runs across formats, including 5 217 in one-day internationals at an average of 37.53. Earlier this year, he overtook England’s James Anderson to become the longest-serving active international cricketer.

ZC acknowledged his: “immense contribution to Zimbabwean cricket” and wished him strength in recovery. Williams’s career, though highly decorated, has been marred by periodic disputes with the board and several withdrawals from national duty over the years.