Elton Chigumbura has resigned as Zimbabwe cricket captain to focus on improving his own form.

The 25-year-old all-rounder was appointed captain in May last year as replacement for spinner Prosper Utseya, but his own performances have suffered under the pressure of the captaincy.

He was sharply criticized after the team's disappointing results at the recent World Cup.

Chigumbura told local newspaper Newsday that "I have thought long and hard about the job since my return from the World Cup and I have consulted my family and friends about it.

"While some still think I should have stayed on, others agreed with me that I needed to concentrate on my own game and let somebody else lead the team."

Opening batsman Hamilton Masakadza or Brendan Taylor are tipped to replace Chigumbura.