Harare: In a surprise move, Zimbabwe Cricket on Tuesday sacked coach Dav Whatmore and captain Hamilton Masakadza, a few days ahead of crucial limited-over series against India.
The board cited the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC World T20 Championship as the reason behind making such major changes.
The Zimbabwe cricket board has announced former South African pacer Makhaya Ntini as interim coach, and leg spinner Graeme Cremer as the interim captain of the side.
Meanwhile, Tatenda Taibu has been roped in as convenor of selectors.
“The Zimbabwe Cricket board has made some changes following its review of the technical reports on the senior men’s performance at the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 tournament, which was hosted by India earlier this year,” said Zimbabwe Cricket in a statement.
“Head coach, Davenell Whatmore has had his contract terminated with immediate effect. Bowling coach Makhaya Ntini has taken over in an acting capacity until the appointment of a substantive head coach. To strengthen the senior men’s technical set-up, the board has appointed former South Africa international, Lance Klusener, as the batting coach for two years, with effect from June 5, 2016. The board has also restructured the national selection panel, to comprise the convener, the senior men’s national team head coach and his assistant,” the statement further read.
The cricket board also announced that former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu has accepted the position of selection chief.
“Former national captain, Tatenda Taibu has been appointed the new convener. He will have additional responsibilities in development and high performance, and will also assist ZC in bringing former Zimbabwe players back into local cricket,” read the statement released by Zimbabwe Cricket.
Zimbabwe is currently placed at 11th rank in the ICC ODI rankings, below Afghanistan after they faced a crushing defeat from the latter in the ICC World T20 this year. Also, they are placed at 12th spot in T20 team rankings.
Under coach Dav Whatmore, Zimbabwe lost an ODI series to India last year by 3-0 and an another ODI series to New Zealand by 2-1.
Zimbabwe will now play three ODIs and three T20Is against India at Harare Sports Club from June 11-22.
