Zimbabwe Cricket suspends two players for 'recreational drug use'

NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe Cricket announced on Thursday that national players Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta have been suspended for "recreational drug use." The players tested positive for a banned recreational drug during an out-of-competition test conducted recently. The board has suspended Madhevere and Mavuta "with immediate effect" pending a disciplinary hearing for the breach of anti-doping rules. The statement did not specify the drug involved or the timing of the failed tests. Both players were part of the Zimbabwe squad in the recent one-day series against Ireland, which Zimbabwe lost 1-2. The suspensions add to the challenges faced by Zimbabwe Cricket after coach Dave Houghton resigned earlier in the week over the team's failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup."They have been charged under the Zimbabwe Cricket Code of Conduct for players and team officials and will appear for a disciplinary hearing soon," the statement said.Wesley Madhevere, a 23-year-old all-rounder, is considered one of Zimbabwe's rising talents, making his debut in 2020 and playing in multiple formats. Brandon Mavuta, 26, has represented Zimbabwe in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The suspensions come at a challenging time for Zimbabwe Cricket, which is undergoing a major review after failing to qualify for the T20 World Cup and facing setbacks in recent series, including the loss to Ireland. Coach Dave Houghton's resignation added to the team's woes, citing a loss of the change room.(With inputs from AFP)