Zimbabwe Cricket Board has taken a stern step to terminate head coach Dav Whatmore’s contract with immediate effect ahead of India’s tour to the African nation. Moreover, Hamilton Masakadza has also been relieved of the captaincy from all three formats as Graeme Cremer takes over from him as the interim captain.
Former South African international and Zimbabwe’s bowling coach for the World T20, Makhaya Ntini has replaced Whatmore for the time being. The decisions have been taken in the wake of Zimbabwe’s dismal performance at the World T20 2016, where they failed to qualify for the Super 10 stage after Afghanistan defeated them by 59 runs in the last qualification match.
Zimbabwe entered the T20 tournament, in a group consisting Afghanistan, Scotland and Hong Kong, fully aware that only a top spot in the group will help them qualify for the Super 10’s. However, after defeating Hong Kong and Scotland, Zimbabwe failed to beat the Afghans, who even overpowered the eventual Champions West Indies in the Super 10 stage.
Whatmore joined the Zimbabwe Cricket team as a head coach back in 2014 after coaching top international sides like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The former Australian player led the Sri Lankan team to the 1996 World Cup and also lifted the Asia Cup with Pakistan in 2012.
Taibu named convener of selectors, Klusener named batting coach
Moreover, former captain Tatenda Taibu has been named as convener of selectors and he will also help in the development of team and in enhancing player’s performances. South African legend Lance Klusener has been named the batting coach in order to strengthen the technical aspects of batting.
The Indian Cricket team is set to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI and three-match T20 series, starting from June 11. MS Dhoni will lead a new look Indian team for the tour.
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