Former Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer has temporarily put his cricket career on hold due to family commitments. The 32-year-old legspinner recently relocated from Harare to join his wife Merna, who is now based in Dubai and working as a pilot.

"With my wife always away flying, I now have a full-time job looking after the kids and settling them into this new environment," explained Cremer. "I am hoping this may only be temporary, so I may be able to commute back and forth to Zimbabwe, but who knows what the future holds. That's all I can say at this stage.

"But while I am away I wish Zimbabwe Cricket all the very best in what's to come, and I hope to join the boys again in the future."

Cremer has played 19 Tests, 96 one-day internationals and 29 Twenty20 internationals, taking a combined 211 wickets for Zimbabwe across formats. He missed Zimbabwe's recent tours to South Africa and Bangladesh due to knee surgery, but had made a tentative return to action in December, helping his franchise Rhinos to victory over Mountaineers in a Pro50 Championship match played in Kwekwe.

ZC acting managing director Givemore Makoni said Cremer would be greatly missed and hoped that the former captain will be available for selection again soon.

"Your wickets, numbers and everything you have contributed to our game speak for themselves and we as ZC are proud of you," said Makoni.

"Your services will be greatly missed but we hope to have you in our national colours again soon. In the meantime, we send our best wishes to you and your family."