Zimbabwe Cricketers Madhevere and Mavuta Suspended For “Recreational Drug Use”

Harare: Zimbabwe Cricket announced on Thursday the suspension of national players Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta due to “recreational drug use.” The board revealed that both players tested positive for a banned substance during an in-house doping test. The suspensions, effective immediately, will remain until a disciplinary hearing is conducted for the anti-doping rule violation.

Madhevere, a 23-year-old all-rounder, is a promising talent who debuted for Zimbabwe in 2020, participating in two Tests, 36 one-day internationals, and 60 Twenty20 internationals. Mavuta, 26, has played four Tests, 12 one-day internationals, and 10 T20 internationals. The specific drug involved and the timing of the failed tests were not disclosed by the board.

This development follows coach Dave Houghton’s resignation earlier in the week, citing Zimbabwe’s failure to qualify for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The suspensions add to the challenges faced by the team, which recently lost a one-day series against Ireland. The disciplinary hearing, in accordance with the Zimbabwe Cricket Code of Conduct, will address the charges against Madhevere and Mavuta, both key members of the squad.