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Taibu (29), who is widely regarded as one of the success stories of the Zimbabwe Cricket development programmes, had been included in the 30-member provisional squad for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup.
His decision will certainly come as a shock to the authorities. The wicketkeeper/batsman said he is quitting his colourful career to engage full-time in Christian ministry.
“I just feel that my true calling now lies in doing the Lord’s work and although I am fortunate and proud to have played for my country, the time has come for me to put my entire focus on that part of my life,” said Taibu.
The diminutive wicketkeeper/batsman, who became the youngest Test captain in history at the age of 20, played 28 Tests and 150 ODIs during his career.
He made his debut in the national team at the age of 18 in 2001 and two years later he was appointed vice-captain to Heath Streak when Zimbabwe toured England.
He was subsequently elevated to the skipper’s role following Streak’s resignation in 2004. But Taibu took a two-year break from national team cricket between 2005 and 2007 and played in Namibia for a season and then at Cape Cobras in South Africa before returning home.
Zimbabwe Cricket authorities paid their tribute to the player, who also holds the distinction of being the first black captain and said they were sad to lose one of their best talents at the age when most of the professionals reach their prime.
“Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) considers the wicket-keeper to be one of the success stories of its development programme and is saddened to be losing his services, although Taibu was appreciative of ZC’s open door policy should he wish to be involved in the future,” said ZC in a statement last night.
Taibu’s career in cricket had its humble beginnings at Chipembere High School in Highfield where he was nurtured through the ZC development programme.
He subsequently went to Churchill High School, on a ZC scholarship, and steadily campaigned for a place in the national team until he made his first-class debut at the age of 16.
Taibu was included in a provisional 30-member squad that was announced by the association yesterday. The squad also includes fast bowler Edward Rainsford as Zimbabwe intensify their preparations for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup coming up in the next two months.
Rainsford is currently playing club cricket at Berkswell in the Birmingham Premier League in England.
The Zimbabwe international, who has played 39 One-Day Internationals for the country, was a notable omission in the team that played the T20 triangular series against South Africa and Bangladesh last month.
Chairman of selectors, Givemore Makoni, said the big pool would allow the coaches to cast their nets wide.
“We have considered everyone who is playing competitive cricket. Rainsford has been a regular member of the national team and is currently involved with club cricket in England.
“In fact we included all the players we thought make our best 30 at the moment and they will be assessed by the coaches.
“This is the squad that we are sending to the ICC and it will be trimmed down to 15 sometime in the coming weeks. The coaches will decide when they would want to go in camp,” said Makoni.
Spinner Raymond Price, who missed last month’s series due to injury, was also included in the squad and will be hoping to have recovered fully by the time of the tournament.
With the slow tracks on the sub-continent, spin is a huge weapon and Price comes in handy. The ICC Twenty20 World Cup will be held in Sri Lanka from September 18 to October 7 and Zimbabwe have been placed in the same group with the hosts and neighbours South Africa.
Despite having few international commitments in the run-up to the tournament, Zimbabwe last month hosted a triangular series that included South Africa and
Bangladesh to keep the players in good shape.
“Our preparations are currently in full swing and I can say we are on the right direction. Recently we won the triangular series involving South Africa and Bangladesh and we have another limited overs series for the A team coming up this week.
“So the coaches will be monitoring both the national team players and those with the potential to play at the World Cup,” said Makoni.
Squad
Brendan Taylor, Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Tatenda Taibu, Regis Chakabva, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Edward Rainsford, Prosper Utseya, Graeme Cremer, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Raymond Price, Tinotenda Mawoyo, Kyle Jarvis, Christopher Mpofu, Natsai Mushangwe, Richard Muzhange, Brian Vitori, Shingirai Masakadza, Forster Mutizwa, Keegan Meth, Tawanda Mupariwa, Tendai Chatara, Njabulo Ncube, Kevin Kasuza, Richmond Mutambami.
Online Reporter