Sikandar Raza named new T20I captain

ASHLEY DUBE

In a recent meeting held by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Board, several changes were announced. All-rounder Sikandar Raza has been appointed as the captain of Zimbabwe's T20 international team, replacing Craig Ervine who will now lead the senior men's national team in Test and one-day international cricket.

The Board emphasized the importance of qualifying for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and decided to retain Dave Houghton as the head coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men's National Team. The Men's Selection Panel will now consist of three members, with David Mutendera remaining as the convener and joined by Houghton and Elton Chigumbura.

No changes were made to the women's cricket set-up, but the Board will review the tenures of Zimbabwe Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Gary Brent and Captain Mary-Anne Musonda after the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in December.

Blessing Ngondo has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Cricket Committee, with Hamilton Masakadza, Kenyon Ziehl, Russell Tiffin, Julia Chibhabha, Houghton, and Chigumbura as the other members.

During the meeting, the Board expressed its concern and disappointment over the performance of the Zimbabwe Senior Men's National Team in the recent T20 international series in Namibia, which they lost by three matches to two.

The resolutions passed during the ZC Board meeting include retaining Dave Houghton as the Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men's National Team, splitting the captaincy with Craig Ervine appointed as Test and ODI captain, and Sikandar Raza appointed as T20I captain.

Gary Brent will continue as the Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Women's National Team, with Mary-Anne Musonda retained as captain and Josephine Nkomo as vice-captain. 

The Senior Women's Selection Panel will consist of Julia Chibhabha as the convener, along with Emily Njinjika and Thando Mlilo.

Prosper Utseya will continue as the coach of the Zimbabwe Under-19 Men's National Team, and the Under-19 Men's Selection Panel will include Elton Chigumbura as the convener, Jestinos Gwatiringa, Pollock Mubhobho, Kyle Jarvis, and Leslie Makirimani.

Trevor Garwe will continue as the coach of the Zimbabwe Under-19 Women's National Team, and the Under-19 Women's Selection Panel will consist of Julia Chibhabha as the convener, along with Trevor Garwe, Trevor Phiri, Chipo Kanjanda, and Nonhlanhla Kamuteku.

The Cricket Committee will be chaired by Blessing Ngondo and include Hamilton Masakadza, Kenyon Ziehl, Russell Tiffin, Julia Chibhabha, Dave Houghton, and Elton Chigumbura.