By Tapiwa Chawagarira
ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been appointed Deputy Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), becoming the first Zimbabwean to occupy the influential position.
The ICC announced Mukuhlani’s appointment yesterday, with his tenure set to run until November 2027. He succeeds Singaporean administrator Imran Khwaja, who stepped down from the ICC Board following the end of his term as an Associate Member Director.
The appointment marks a significant elevation for Zimbabwe within the international cricket administration hierarchy and comes at a particularly important time for the African game.
Mukuhlani is already a member of the ICC Board, representing Zimbabwe Cricket, and serves on the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee and the Nominations Committee. He also chairs the ICC HR and Remuneration Committee.
His new role will place him at the centre of key decisions regarding the global development and administration of cricket.
ICC chairman Jay Shah congratulated Mukuhlani, describing his experience in cricket administration and his understanding of the global game as valuable assets to the ICC Board.
Shah also highlighted the significance of Mukuhlani becoming the first Zimbabwean to serve as ICC Deputy Chairperson and expressed confidence that he would contribute to the growth of the sport across ICC member countries.
Mukuhlani said he was honoured by the confidence shown in him by his fellow ICC Board directors and pledged to work with Shah and other board members to advance the interests of the game.
He said cricket was entering an exciting period, particularly with its global expansion and return to the Olympic Games, and stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for ICC members and reaching new audiences and markets.
The appointment also comes as Zimbabwe prepares for one of the biggest assignments in its cricket history: co-hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 with South Africa and Namibia.
The 2027 tournament will bring the 50-over World Cup back to Africa for the first time in 24 years, placing the continent’s cricket administrators under the international spotlight.
Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia have already begun preparations for the tournament, including a historic three-team T20 International series held in August as part of the build-up to the 2027 World Cup.
For Zimbabwe Cricket, Mukuhlani’s elevation provides representation at one of the highest levels of global game administration, at a time when the country is preparing to host World Cup matches.
Mukuhlani’s appointment, therefore, adds another important chapter to Zimbabwe’s growing involvement in the leadership and organisation of international cricket.
