Ebrahim Named Interim Head Coach as Zimbabwe Women Prepare for Historic ICC Championship Debut

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has appointed former Kate Ebrahim as interim head coach for Zimbabwe Women’s upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand, marking a significant transition for the national side ahead of their maiden appearance in the ICC Women's Championship.

Ebrahim’s appointment is part of a broader restructuring of the team’s technical staff. She will be assisted by Travor Phiri as interim assistant coach, while Debu Banik joins as bowling consultant. Former Zimbabwe allrounder Thandolwenkosi Mlilo has been named team manager.

The interim appointments follow the departure of the previous coaching group led by Walter Chawaguta, who were asked to step aside after Zimbabwe Women’s disappointing performance at the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026 in Nepal earlier this year. ZC said substantive appointments to the women’s technical structure will be announced in due course.

ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said the board had acted decisively following the qualifier campaign.

“As we enter the ICC Women’s Championship for the first time, this is a significant moment for Zimbabwe Women’s cricket and it demands renewed focus, energy and accountability,” Makoni said. “Kate Ebrahim brings valuable international playing experience, including deep knowledge of New Zealand conditions. We believe she is well placed to guide the team during this important tour while we finalise permanent appointments.”

Ebrahim represented New Zealand in 31 ODIs and 39 T20Is between 2010 and 2021. She is married to former Zimbabwe batter and current Zimbabwe senior men’s assistant coach Dion Ebrahim, who is currently with the men’s squad at the T20 World Cup.

ZC has also named experienced left-arm seamer Nomvelo Sibanda as interim captain for the tour.

Zimbabwe’s inclusion in the 2025–29 ICC Women’s Championship cycle makes them the 11th team in the competition following an expansion of the qualification pathway. The competition serves as the primary route to qualification for the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2029.

The tour of New Zealand begins with three T20 Internationals from February 25, followed by three One-Day Internationals starting March 5. The ODI series will count towards ICC Women’s Championship standings.

Under the current Future Tours Programme, each team will contest eight three-match ODI series — four at home and four away. Zimbabwe are scheduled to travel to New Zealand, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while hosting South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Ireland during the cycle.