South Africa are on the lookout for a new coach once again after Mark Boucher announced his decision to step down from the role after this year’s upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.
According to a statement issued by Cricket South Africa, Boucher is stepping away ” in order to pursue other opportunities in line with his future career and personal objectives”.
His decision means that the 45-year-old will not see out the entirety of his contract with his country which runs until the end of the 2023 50-over World Cup in October next year.
The former wicket-keeper turned coach has generally won praise for improving South Africa’s test and white ball cricket with a home test series win over India in January, which has helped South Africa reach second place in the ICC Test World Championship table, being the highlight of his tenure.
However, his time as the coach was also marred by controversy stemming from allegations of favouritism and racism levied against him and former captain Graeme Smith. Both have since been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Mark Boucher will lead the limited overs side on their India tour before the T20 World Cup, after which the red ball side will travel to Australia for three tests starting in December by which time a new coach will be in place.
CSA Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki thanked Boucher for his work.
“We would like to thank Mark for the time and effort he has invested in South African cricket as the head coach over the past three years. “
“He has helped navigate us through some rough waters following the departures of so many senior players through retirement and has helped lay some strong foundations for the next generation of Proteas.
“We are extremely grateful to him for the work he has done and would like to wish him well with the next chapter of his career.”
