The career of Zimbabwean all-rounder Shon Williams has come to an end, with the Zimbabwe Cricket Board (ZC) confirming that he will no longer be considered for national selection.Last month, Williams withdrew from the squad for the Africa Region T20 World Cup qualifiers. However, his exclusion from the team is not solely due to his withdrawal. The primary reason is his battle with substance addiction.
The ZC has revealed that Williams voluntarily entered a rehabilitation programme. The 39-year-old cricketer had removed himself from the squad out of concern that he might fail a doping test. Following an internal investigation by the board, Williams admitted that he had been struggling with addiction issues for some time. As a result, it appears that his cricket career has come to an unfortunate end.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Cricket Board said: “We expect the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and adherence to team policies and anti-doping regulations from all contracted players.”
The statement continued: “A review of Williams’ past record revealed several disciplinary issues which had impacted both team preparation and performance. While he has been praised for seeking help, his decision to withdraw under these circumstances raises serious concerns about his professionalism and ethical standards.”
Taking all factors into account, the Zimbabwe Cricket Board has decided that Williams will no longer be considered for future selection to the national team. His current contract, which is set to expire on 31 December 2025, will not be renewed.
However, the board has expressed gratitude for his long-standing contributions to Zimbabwean cricket. The statement further noted that Williams has been part of some of the most significant moments in the history of Zimbabwean cricket, both on and off the field, leaving a lasting impact.
The board also extended its best wishes to Williams, saying, “Zimbabwe Cricket wishes him a speedy recovery and success in all his future endeavours.”