Zimbabwe: Former captain Dave Houghton resigns as head coach

Dave Houghton has resigned as Zimbabwe head coach three weeks after failing to reach the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The Chevrons were the top-ranked side in the African qualification tournament last month, but missed out on the top two as Namibia and Uganda booked their spots in the United States and the West Indies instead.

Houghton, who was appointed in June last year, said he had “lost the changeroom” and felt a “new voice” was needed to take the team forward.

The 66-year-old’s final matches in charge came in an ODI series at home against Ireland which the tourists won 2-0.

Dave-Houghton

However, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said Houghton, his country’s first Test captain, would be reassigned to a new role in the organisation.

“Dave will always be a legend of our game,” ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said.

“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 has done over the past year to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.

“Dave leaves 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.”

Houghton lead Zimbabwe to last year’s T20 World Cup in Australia, their first global tournament for six years, where the side reached the Super 12 stage after first-round victories over Ireland and Scotland.

ZC will name an interim technical team for the country’s white-ball tour to Sri Lanka next month. – bbc.com