Zimbabwe suspends two international cricket players for using recreational drugs

Zimbabwean cricketers Wessly Madhevere (23) and Brandon Mavuta (26) face a four-month ban from all cricket activities due to recreational drug use. Additionally, both players have been fined 50% of their salaries for a three-month period, as outlined in a statement by Zimbabwe Cricket on Thursday. Another player, Kevin Kasuza (30), is also suspended for the same offense, pending an appearance before a disciplinary committee.

All-rounder Madhevere and leg-spinner Mavuta confessed during a disciplinary hearing to violating Zimbabwe Cricket’s employment code of conduct. Following an in-house test in December where they tested positive for drug use, the duo faced suspension and consequently missed Zimbabwe’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. According to Zimbabwe Cricket’s statement, mitigating factors were considered, noting both players’ remorse and efforts to discontinue the habit.

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Madhevere, making his international debut at 20, was considered one of Zimbabwe’s highly talented young players but has not fully asserted himself at the international level.

Mavuta, with 12 wickets in four Tests, has had more modest performances in white-ball internationals.

Kasuza, who recently tested positive for drug use in an in-house test, is scheduled to appear before a disciplinary committee soon. Having participated in seven Test matches, with the most recent in May 2021, Kasuza has not been part of white-ball internationals.