By Darlington Majonga
HARARE – Big-hitting all-rounder Elton Chigumbura is Zimbabwe’s new cricket captain after Prosper Utseya was apparently asked to step down.
Utseya had been skipper since 2006.
The 25-year-old off-spinner was handed the captaincy after stand-out performances with the ball at a time Zimbabwe’s national team had been deserted by experienced players over off-field problems.
Chigumbura, 24, Zimbabwe’s brightest prospect with bat and ball, said he felt “humbled” to be named the new captain.
A statement from Zimbabwe Cricket said Utseya – who made his ODI debut at 19 against Sri Lanka – had resigned with effect from May 11.
The board did not give reasons why he had quit but insiders said stakeholders had lost confidence in the soft-spoken bowler.
"It has been a privilege for me to captain Zimbabwe for the past four years,” Utseya was quoted as saying in the statement.
“It has been an experience that has been fraught with many emotions.
“I am glad to say though that, overall, I have enjoyed the experience immensely and would not have wished for it to be otherwise.”
Utseya’s resignation came after Zimbabwe were bundled out of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament currently taking place in the West Indies without winning any of their two group matches.
Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Ozias Bvute said the union regretted Utseya’s decision to quit.
"I had a long and honest discussion with Prosper and although it is clear that he is honoured to have served the team, he feels strongly that the time has come to resign," Bvute said.
Chigumbura has immediately taken over, with his first assignment being the home triangular series against India and Sri Lanka starting on May 28.
"I am humbled by the confidence that the cricket committee and the ZC board has shown in me to select me for this role,” the new skipper said.
“It is a privilege to lead a team that I have been growing and playing with all these years and I look forward to the challenge.
“I am grateful to Pro for the support he has given me as an individual and as captain and I look forward to his continued guidance and support."
Utseya had played only one Test match when he began his reign and he leaves the captaincy without adding another cap because Zimbabwe voluntarily stepped out of Test cricket in 2005.
He has however amassed 106 ODI caps and 35 Twenty20 matches.
Chigumbura, on the other hand, has played six Tests and 106 ODIs as well as 31 Twenty20 matches.
