Sean Williams’ dream of a fairytale ending

THERE is a time when the legends bid farewell to the game they have adorned with their brilliance. The artistry of walking out of the field to a guard of honour and being carried off it after a splendid performance, has become a cherished tradition.

Recall the memorable moment when the dynamic Pakistani duo, Misbah Ul Haq and Younis Khan, affectionately known as “MisYou” put down their bats with style during a historic Test victory over the West Indies in the Caribbean. That iconic series win marked the end of their remarkable careers in 2017, etching their names in cricketing folklore forever.

And then, there’s Alastair Cook, aptly dubbed “The Chef”, who cooked up a century in his final Test for England, savouring a sumptuous farewell to his glorious career. Meanwhile, the spinning wizard, Muttiah Muralitharan, waved goodbye in spectacular fashion, claiming his magical 800th Test wicket in his very last ball, a momentous occasion that led Sri Lanka to a resounding victory over India.

Cricketing legends worldwide have left their mark with such grand exits, often choosing to retire around the age of 35 to 40 years. Deserving of their legendary status, they bid adieu to the game in style, celebrated by dedicating matches in their honour.

For any cricketer, there is no stage grander than the World Cup – a dream to don the national colours one last time on the global platform. However, Chevrons’ key players, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine, were obviously disappointed as their chance to have a final dance at the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup in India slipped away. Despite being in their late 30s, they had hoped for a last hurrah on the international stage yet fate had different plans.

Nevertheless, there is a silver lining on the horizon. In 2027, Zimbabwe will co-host the World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia, presenting an opportunity for these seasoned cricketers to retire on their home turf. Sean Williams, the Chevrons’ star all-rounder, has expressed his desire for a fairytale ending in an interview with BBC-Africa. At 41 years of age by that time, he aims to weave magic in his final World Cup appearance and bid adieu in a blaze of glory.

“Imagine all the stadiums around Zimbabwe filled up. It’s going to be stunning. Now you’re bringing in not only locals but international fans as well. It can only benefit the country at large, not just the cricket.

“That glimmer of light is truly a sign of what could lie ahead — it could potentially be massive. Maybe there’s a fairytale ending,” said Williams.

Williams’ journey has been far from easy. Over his 18-year career, he faced challenges, including a period when he prematurely retired from the game due to struggles with professionalism. But he returned stronger, now serving as a pillar of Zimbabwean cricket, experiencing both the highs and lows of the team’s fortunes.

“I walked away for about two years and didn’t play around 2011 and 2012. I’d go out and mess around and get dropped. I’d give an excuse not to be at training. I wasn’t used to being a professional,” he said.

Williams has played over 200 matches for Zimbabwe in all the three formats with 14 caps in the longest version, Test, followed by a massive 156 appearances in one-day cricket and 68 in the shortest version, T20.

Throughout his career, he has experienced all the highs and all the lows within Zimbabwe cricket. From the failure to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever to beating Australia Down Under for the first time ever again. There is a lot that Williams has seen or experienced, he was there when Zimbabwe hit an all-time low in 2018, he is here for the re-birth.

From a time when “there were more office personnel than players” to now when the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) board and the head coach, Dave Houghton have brought back the faith in the team through treating them well.

Williams’ other wish, apart from the fairytale ending, is to impart the knowledge that he and other senior players have to youngsters.

“Having Houghton here again now is just phenomenal. A core group of guys seem to have stuck together through this and a few of them are still here today. I’m hoping the senior pro group can continue doing a little bit more for the youngsters before we retire.

“A lot of stuff has changed. Zimbabwe Cricket are treating the guys a lot better. A lot is changing outside of cricket as well, which is good,” said Williams.

Williams made his senior debut in 2005 and today boasts the 10th longest career in the history of ODIs. — @brandon_malvin