Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced that former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener will be stepping down from his role as batting coach of the senior men’s team with immediate effect after a mutual agreement was reached with Zimbabwe’s cricket governing body.

The move comes as a blow for the African nation as Klusener leaving the batting coach role comes only ten days before Zimbabwe begin their Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 campaign against Ireland in Group B of the first round at Hobart.

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An official statement by ZC said that according to Klusener’s agent, the decision was made after he expressed his desire to pursue professional engagements around the globe which will impact his full-time availability for the national team’s programmes. Klusener had previously served as Zimbabwe’s batting coach between 2016 and 2018 and rejoined the senior men’s team in March this year.

“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.”

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“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,” said ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni.

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After facing Ireland on October 17, Zimbabwe will play Group B matches against two-time champions West Indies on October 19 and Scotland on October 21 in the first round of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.