Houghton resigns as Zimbabwe coach after World Cup failures
Zimbabwe Cricket said Houghton would remain within the organisation in an as yet unspecified role
20 December 2023 - 16:29
by Nick Said
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton has confirmed his resignation with immediate effect. Picture: 123RF/RICHARD THOMAS
Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton has confirmed his resignation with immediate effect, citing a breakdown in his relationship with players following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup, where they lost to Namibia and Uganda.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) made the announcement on Wednesday but said Houghton, regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished former players, would remain within the organisation in an as yet unspecified role.
In a resignation letter to the ZC board, Houghton said he had "lost the changeroom" after 18 months in charge and felt that a "new voice" was needed to take the team forward.
"While the past few months have been disappointing as we failed to qualify for both the 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup, they should not obscure all the work he (Houghton) has done over the past year to rebuild the foundations for long-term success," ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said in a statement.
"Dave leaves the team with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts and we are looking forward to working with him in a different role as we seek to change our on-field fortunes."
An interim technical team will be named shortly for Zimbabwe’s tour to Sri Lanka in January for a white-ball series.
The ZC board also appointed a three-member committee chaired by Lloyd Mhishi to probe the World Cup qualification failures as well as to review ZC’s cricket affairs structure. The committee is to report back in three weeks.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Houghton resigns as Zimbabwe coach after World Cup failures
Zimbabwe Cricket said Houghton would remain within the organisation in an as yet unspecified role
Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton has confirmed his resignation with immediate effect, citing a breakdown in his relationship with players following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup, where they lost to Namibia and Uganda.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) made the announcement on Wednesday but said Houghton, regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished former players, would remain within the organisation in an as yet unspecified role.
In a resignation letter to the ZC board, Houghton said he had "lost the changeroom" after 18 months in charge and felt that a "new voice" was needed to take the team forward.
"While the past few months have been disappointing as we failed to qualify for both the 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup, they should not obscure all the work he (Houghton) has done over the past year to rebuild the foundations for long-term success," ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said in a statement.
"Dave leaves the team with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts and we are looking forward to working with him in a different role as we seek to change our on-field fortunes."
An interim technical team will be named shortly for Zimbabwe’s tour to Sri Lanka in January for a white-ball series.
The ZC board also appointed a three-member committee chaired by Lloyd Mhishi to probe the World Cup qualification failures as well as to review ZC’s cricket affairs structure. The committee is to report back in three weeks.
Reuters
Australia’s Starc and Cummins land record IPL deals
Australia’s Labuschagne cleared for second Test against Pakistan
Phil Salt century sets up England win against West Indies to square T20 series
Andile Phehlukwayo ruled out of the ODI series against India
Concern about Bavuma and Rabada’s preparation for first India Test
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.