PROTEAS white-ball coach Rob Walter resigned on Tuesday, citing unspecified personal reasons, leaving behind a familiar feeling of what might have been for the team.
Walter was barely two years into a four-year contract which was due to end with the ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027. Cricket South Africa has not yet named Walter’s replacement.
Walter, 49, took SA to the final of last year’s T20 World Cup, where they threw away a commanding position to lose to India in the decider.
He was also in charge when they reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan last month.
But Walter faced criticism for the Proteas’ patchy record in bilateral series outside major tournaments – although he pointed out that many leading players were seldom available for international matches because of their commitments to franchise competitions.
CSA said that Walter’s resignation will come into effect on 30 April.
Walter says: “Coaching the Proteas has been an incredible honour, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
“The players, support staff, and the South African cricketing community have been fantastic throughout this journey. While it’s time for me to step away, I have no doubt that the team will continue to grow and reach even greater heights.”
The Proteas’ next limited-overs assignment is an all-format tour to Zimbabwe in July, which will also include New Zealand in a T20 tri-series. They will also tour Australia and England this year.
Director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, says: “Rob has done an immense job for South African cricket over the past two years.
“It is also important to recognise Rob’s commitment to expanding the talent pool across both formats. While in charge, he ensured that emerging players had the opportunity.”