Zimbabwe Cricket suspends Wesley Madhevere, Brandon Mavuta for breaching anti-doping rules

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has suspended international cricketers Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta with immediate effect, alleging a violation of anti-doping regulations. The duo is banned from participating in any cricket activities pending a hearing, following charges under the ZC Code of Conduct. 

The board disclosed that both cricketers tested positive for a prohibited recreational substance during an out-of-competition in-house doping test. This development underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport as ZC takes swift action in response to the alleged breach, ensuring a fair and thorough investigation into the matter.

"Both tested positive for a banned recreational drug in an out-of-competition case recorded during a recent in-house doping test," ZC said in a statement.

Mavuta, a leg spinner, has played 26 games across formats formats for Zimbabwe. His most recent performance came on December 17 against Ireland in the final ODI of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. In the series, he picked up a total of three wickets. Madhevere, on the other hand, has played a total of 98 games for his country and hasn't taken part in the recently-concluded ODI series against Ireland at home.

 Zimbabwe suffer 0-2 series against Ireland

Zimbabwe suffered a 0-2 defeat in the three-game ODI series against Ireland. After the first ODI was called off due to rain, Ireland dominated and won the second and third games by four and seven wickets, respectively. 

Speaking of the third game in Harare, Ireland won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first. Zimbabwe batters struggled in front of Ireland's bowling attack from the start. However, the match was delayed as rain played spoilsport which then shortened the game to a 40-over-a-side contest. Zimbabwe opener Joylord Gumbie scored 72 (106) as the hosts posted a total of 197 in 40 overs. Graham Hume and Curtis Campher were the pick of bowlers for Ireland, who claimed four-wicket hauls. Ireland's opener, Andrew Balbirnie scored an unbeaten 82 as the visitors chased down the target with 13 balls to spare to seal the series.