“The concerned players, Wesley Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta, both tested positive for a banned recreational drug in an out-of-competition case recorded during a recent in-house doping test,” the board said in a statement.

Madhevere and Mavuta are suspended immediately until a hearing for violating anti-doping rules. The board didn’t disclose the specific drug or when the tests were failed. This comes as another setback following coach Dave Houghton’s resignation due to Zimbabwe’s inability to qualify for the upcoming 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.

Madhevere, a 23-year-old all-rounder, is seen as a rising talent in the national team. He debuted for Zimbabwe in 2020 and has played in two Tests, 36 one-day internationals, and 60 Twenty20 internationals.

Mavuta, aged 26, has four Tests, 12 one-day internationals, and 10 T20 internationals under his belt.

Both were part of the Zimbabwe squad in the recent one-day series against Ireland, which ended in a 2-1 loss for the team.

Following their failure to qualify for the upcoming T20 World Cup and the loss in the Ireland series, Zimbabwe has initiated a thorough investigation. Coach Dave Houghton resigned, citing a loss of the change room’s support.