Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has recently taken disciplinary action against two of its players, Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, suspending them pending an investigation following allegations of their involvement with a prohibited recreational substance. The announcement of their suspension was made by officials on Thursday.
Wessly Madhevere, aged 23, is a notable player in the Zimbabwe national team, having participated in a total of 98 international matches across various formats. His most recent appearance for the team was in a Twenty20 match against Ireland on December 10. Madhevere's role as an all-rounder has been pivotal in several of Zimbabwe's cricketing campaigns.
"Zimbabwe Cricket has with immediate effect suspended two Zimbabwe international players from all cricket activities, pending a hearing, for allegedly breaching anti-doping rules," ZC said in a statement.
"The concerned players, Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, both tested positive for a banned recreational drug in an out-of-competition case recorded during a recent in-house doping test," the statement added.
Brandon Mavuta, 26, another all-rounder for Zimbabwe, has been a part of the national team in 26 international games. His last match was a one-day international against Ireland, which took place on Sunday, just days before the announcement of his suspension.
The news of their suspension comes in the wake of another significant development within Zimbabwe Cricket – the resignation of coach Dave Houghton. Houghton stepped down from his role just ahead of Zimbabwe's scheduled white-ball tour to Sri Lanka in January.
The suspension of Madhevere and Mavuta marks a challenging phase for Zimbabwe Cricket, as the organization navigates the implications of these allegations on its players and the overall team dynamics. The pending hearing for the two players will further determine their future in international cricket and the subsequent course of action by Zimbabwe Cricket. As the team prepares for its upcoming tour, these developments may have a considerable impact on its composition and performance.
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