Justin Sammons is set to step down from his position as head coach of the Zimbabwe men’s national team following the second Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah, Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed on Saturday. Sammons has decided to relinquish the position due to personal reasons, expressing his wish to return to South Africa and spend more time with his family.

“Leading the Zimbabwe men’s national team has been an incredible experience, one that I will always look back on with great memories. I must thank the Zimbabwe Cricket Board for allowing me the opportunity to work with this team, as well as everyone within Zimbabwe cricket, from the administration to the ground staff, who have always given their all in helping the team move forward. Importantly, I must thank the players and technical staff for their continued commitment in striving to improve – they made my time in Zimbabwe one that I will always be grateful for,” Sammons said. 

He took charge of Zimbabwe in June 2024 and played an important role in shaping the team's progress during his time at the helm. The most incredible achievement of Sammons' tenure came at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where Zimbabwe created history by advancing to the Super Eight stage. 

“It was very difficult for us to accept Justin’s resignation, but we understand and respect his decision to return home to be with his family. Justin has worked hard to help our players improve and the team’s progress under his leadership was evident in some memorable Test wins and in the way Zimbabwe competed at the T20 World Cup," Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said.