Wesley Madhevir. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
- Two Zimbabwe international cricketers have been banned for drug use.
- Wesley Madiver and Brandon Mafuta tested positive for a banned recreational drug.
- The suspensions represent a fresh blow after coach Dave Houghton resigned this week over Zimbabwe’s failure to reach next year’s T20 World Cup.
- For more please visit News 24 Sports Homepage.
The Zimbabwe cricket team said on Thursday that two national players have been suspended for “recreational drug use”.
The board said in a statement: “The two players involved, Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mafuta, tested positive for banned stimulants in an out-of-competition case that was recorded during a recent internal drug test.”
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Madhevere and Mavota were suspended “with immediate effect” until an anti-doping violation hearing is held.
The board did not say what medication was involved or when they failed the tests.
But the suspensions represent a fresh blow after coach Dave Houghton resigned this week over Zimbabwe’s failure to reach next year’s T20 World Cup.
“They have been charged under the Zimbabwe Cricket Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials and will appear before a disciplinary hearing soon,” the statement said.
Brandon oil. (Photo by Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images)
Twenty-three-year-old Madhevir is one of the rising talents in the national team. He made his debut for Zimbabwe in 2020 and has since played in two Tests, 36 one-day internationals and 60 Twenty20 internationals.
Mafuta, 26, has four Tests, 12 one-day internationals and 10 T20 internationals to his name.
Both were in Zimbabwe’s squad for the one-day match against Ireland this month, which the team lost 2-1.
Zimbabwe have launched a major investigation after failing to reach next year’s T20 World Cup and suffering defeat in the Ireland series. Houghton resigned, saying he had “lost the changing room”.