Zimbabwe Cricket has confirmed that Justin Sammons will step down as head coach of the senior men's team after the ongoing second Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah. Sammons tendered his resignation, saying he wanted to return home to South Africa to spend more time with his family. The Test marks the conclusion of Zimbabwe's tour of the United Arab Emirates, and it will be his final role with the side.

Sammons took charge in June 2024. During his tenure Zimbabwe recorded historic Test victories and reached the Super Eight at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, their best finish at the tournament. ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the board found the decision very difficult to accept but understood and respected it, and praised the progress the team made under Sammons's leadership in memorable Test wins and in the way Zimbabwe competed at the T20 World Cup.S2

Sammons described leading the Zimbabwe men's side as an incredible experience that he would always remember fondly. He thanked the Zimbabwe Cricket Board for the opportunity, as well as administrators and ground staff, and said the players and technical staff had made his time in Zimbabwe one he would always be grateful for. He added that he now needed to move back home to spend time with his family, and expressed confidence that the team would keep improving.S2