Breaking: Zimbabwe Cricket Takes a Stand – Bans Two Players for Drug Violation

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has imposed a ban on allrounders Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta due to their involvement in recreational drug use. Additionally, both players will face a 50% reduction in their salaries for the next three months, effective from January 2024.

The disciplinary action follows the players’ admission during a hearing last Wednesday, acknowledging their violation of the ZC Employment Code of Conduct. This breach stemmed from a positive test for a banned recreational drug during an in-house doping test conducted in December, as outlined in the official statement released by the board.

In response to the incident, ZC has outlined a rehabilitation plan for Madhevere and Mavuta, overseen by the medical panel of Zimbabwe Cricket. As part of the disciplinary measures, the players are also mandated to undergo training within ZC’s High-Performance program.

The statement emphasized ZC’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and drug usage. The Disciplinary Committee, in delivering the sanctions, deemed the players’ drug involvement a serious offense that brought both the organization and the sport of cricket into disrepute.

Notably, the suspensions for Madhevere and Mavuta were initiated last month when they initially tested positive for the banned recreational drug. In a separate incident, batter Kevin Kasuza also tested positive and faced an immediate suspension. Kasuza, who last played for Zimbabwe in a Test match in 2021, is now subject to the consequences of the anti-doping regulations. Meanwhile, Madhevere and Mavuta were part of the Zimbabwe squad in the recent ODI series against Ireland, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Zimbabwe.