Due to alleged violations of anti-doping standards, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has suspended international cricket players Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta with immediate effect. As a result of charges under the ZC Code of Conduct, the two are prohibited from engaging in any cricket-related activity until a hearing.
The board revealed that during an in-house doping test conducted outside of competition, both cricket players tested positive for a recreational drug that is banned. As ZC moves quickly to address the alleged infringement and ensure a just and comprehensive inquiry into the situation, this development highlights its dedication to upholding the integrity of the sport.
“Both tested positive for a banned recreational drug in an out-of-competition case recorded during a recent in-house doping test,” stated ZC in a statement.
Leg spinner Mavuta has represented Zimbabwe in 26 different formats. In the third One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series, he played against Ireland on December 17 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. He claimed three wickets overall in the series. However, Wesley Madhevere has just participated in the recently finished home ODI series against Ireland, despite having played 98 games for his nation.
Ireland defeats Zimbabwe 0-2 in the series.
In the three-match ODI series against Ireland, Zimbabwe lost 0-2 to the opposition. Rain forced the postponement of the first ODI, but Ireland rebounded to win the next two by a margin of four and seven wickets, respectively.
Ireland won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first in the third game in Harare, incidentally. Ireland’s bowling attack caused Zimbabwe’s hitters to struggle right away. Rain, however, had other ideas. The game was postponed and reduced to a 40-over-a-side competition. Joylord Gumbie of Zimbabwe opened the innings with a score of 72 (106), helping the hosts amass 197 in 40 overs. The two best bowlers for Ireland, Graham Hume and Curtis Campher, both took four wickets. Andrew Balbirnie, who started the scoring for Ireland with an undefeated 82, led the visitors in defeating the goal to win the series with 13 balls remaining.