Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has lifted the suspensions of Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, allowing them to resume competitive cricket after completing their four-month bans for drug use. The duo tested positive for a recreational drug during an in-house dope test in December 2023.
As part of their rehabilitation, Madhevere and Mavuta underwent training under ZC’s high-performance program and were fined 50% of their salaries for three months. They have since cleared drug tests conducted after their suspension period ended.
ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni welcomed the players’ return, stating, “I am pleased to welcome Wessly and Brandon back to competitive cricket after both of them underwent rehabilitation and also passed a drug test carried out to check if they were now clean.”
Makoni emphasized the players’ acknowledgment of their mistakes and their commitment to staying clean. However, there is no update on batter Kevin Kasuza, who was also suspended in January for a similar offense.
Meanwhile, ZC academy player Davis Murwendo has tested positive for a social drug in the latest round of internal tests and is scheduled for a hearing.
ZC’s anti-drugs program is voluntary and separate from ICC and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) obligations. Makoni explained, “Recognizing the dangers that recreational drugs may cause, ZC opted to go beyond the ICC and WADA obligations by implementing an in-house drugs testing programme.”
This initiative provides education, counseling, and treatment to rehabilitate players involved with social drugs.
