T20 World Cup 2022: Proteas legend Lance Klusener steps down as Zimbabwe batting coach

In the latest developments, South Africa legend Lance Klusener has stepped down as the Zimbabwe cricket team’s batting coach with immediate effect. The former Proteas all-rounder and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract.

Notably, Klusener had signed a contract with the Zimbabwe set-up as batting coach in March earlier this year. Interestingly, he had served in the same position between 2016 and 2018. Further, Klusener has also served as Afghanistan’s head coach from 2019 till the completion of the T20 World Cup in 2021.

According to Klusener’s agent, the decision has been taken as the legendary cricketer is now looking out for coaching stints in other parts of the world, which could affect his availability concerning the Zimbabwe side.

“We are grateful to Lance for everything he has contributed during his time with us, including helping us to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, which gets underway in Australia in a few days,” said ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni in a statement.

“Unfortunately, due to his pressing commitments elsewhere, he could not continue with us on a full-time basis, and we agreed it was in the best interests of both parties to terminate his contract. We wish him the best as he pursues new endeavours,” he added.

Not to mention the timing of Klusener’s decision is also worrying for Zimbabwe, with less than two weeks to go for the start of their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2022.

Zimbabwe are placed in Group B, along with West Indies, Ireland, and Scotland, in the first round, from which the top two teams will progress to the Super 12 stage. Zimbabwe’s first game is set to be played against Ireland in Hobart on October 17.

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October 07, 2022 at 05:30PM