Ashley Masakadza

Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Coach Dave Houghton resigned yesterday as he took responsibility for the team’s failure to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and 50-over World Cup.

Houghton, tendered his resignation on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Board meeting which was organised to review the team’s performance. He said he had lost the Chevrons changing room after 18 months in charge, and proposed the need for a new voice to take the team forward.

This followed disappointing losses to Namibia and Uganda in the recent T20 World Cup qualifying tournament, and a limited-overs series defeat to Ireland.

While acknowledging Houghton’s legendary status and contributions in rebuilding the team’s foundation, ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani accepted the resignation with regret.

“Dave will always be a legend of our game, but the past few months’ failures should not overshadow his work in laying the groundwork for long-term success,” Mukuhlani said.

In a statement, Houghton expressed his continued love for Zimbabwean Cricket and his desire to remain involved in other areas.

“The talent base here is enormous, and helping players reach their full potential on the international stage is a project I’d love to be part of,” said Houghton.

With his departure, an interim technical team will take charge for the upcoming white-ball series tour to Sri Lanka in January. Additionally, the Board has appointed a three-member committee to investigate the World Cup qualification failures and review Zimbabwe Cricket’s affairs structure.

“During its meeting on Wednesday, the Board appointed a three-member committee chaired by Mr Lloyd Mhishi to probe the World Cup qualification failures as well as to review ZC’s cricket affairs structure. The committee, whose other members are Mr Godfrey Nyadongo and Mr Blessing Ngondo, has been given three weeks to accomplish the tasks,” read the statement.

Houghton’s resignation marks a turning point for Zimbabwean cricket, as the team seeks to overcome recent setbacks and build towards future success. The appointment of the inquiry committee and the search for a new coach indicate the Board’s commitment to analyzing the problems and finding solutions to improve the team’s performance on the international stage.