Zimbabwe Cricket released a media statement on Tuesday announcing the names of new captain for the test and limited-over side. The board has announced Sean Williams as the test captain for the side, whereas Chamu Chibhabha has been named as the captain for the One Day and T20Is side. The statement said that Sean Williams and Chamu Chibhabha would lead the team on an “interim” basis.
Zimbabwe Cricket, the governing authority of cricket in the country, said that the appointments were recommended by the legendary player and former captain Hamilton Masakadza. Hamilton Masakadza is currently holding the position of Director in Zimbabwe cricket. The media statement from the cricket board further stated that the recommendation from Masakadza was “unanimously endorsed” by the Zimbabwe Cricket Board in their meeting held in Harare on Tuesday.
Masakadza had retired from the national duties in September last year after a glorious career that spanned for 18 years. He took up his new position as the director of Zimbabwe cricket in October last year in a restructuring process conducted by the authorities.
Both the new captains are veterans of Zimbabwe cricket. Sean Williams has an experience of 179 international matches, whereas Chibhabha has 139 international games under his belt. Chibhabha will lead the team into an international game for the first time, whereas Sean Williams has filled in the role in the absence of regular captain from the side. However, what astounded the fans is the fact that Chibhabha has not featured in an international game since playing against South Africa in October 2018.
A new selection committee was also announced comprising of ex-players such as Prosper Utseya, Gavin Ewing, Shepherd Makunura, and David Mutendera. Mutendera will head the committee. A new coaching team was also announced with Lalchand Rajput acquiring the post of head coach. The media statement also announced that the board would also look for a fielding coach and a mental strength coach. The new team management consists of names such as Dilip Chouhan (manager), Walter Karimanzira (strength and conditioning trainer), Stuart Matsikenyeri (batting coach), Douglas Hondo (bowling coach), Darlington Majonga (media manager) and Lovemore Banda (logistics manager).
Zimbabwe will host India, Ireland, and the Netherlands this year and are also due to travel to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Australia.