ICC's New Deputy Chair Could Change Cricket's Future

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-19

The ICC board just made a move that might not have grabbed headlines everywhere, but it's one worth paying attention to. They've named Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the man who's been leading Zimbabwe Cricket since 2015, as their new deputy chair. And the timing? Well, that's what makes this interesting. Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia are gearing up to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup. That's less than a year away. And now Mukuhlani, who's been deeply involved in Zimbabwean cricket for nearly a decade, will be sitting at the ICC's top table as they prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in the sport. ### Why This Appointment Matters The ICC didn't just pick Mukuhlani out of a hat. They pointed to his leadership record and his deep familiarity with the southern African cricket landscape. The board believes his insight will help deliver a tournament that returns the World Cup to Africa after a 24-year gap. Think about that for a second. Nearly a quarter-century since Africa last hosted the ODI World Cup. That's a long time. And for Zimbabwe specifically, this tournament means even more. Their men's team will play in the event for the first time since 2015, earning their spot through co-host status rather than on-field qualification. ### Mukuhlani's Track Record Speaks Volumes Leading Zimbabwe Cricket since 2015, Mukuhlani has won re-election three times. That kind of staying power in sports governance isn't common. He's also served on the ICC's finance and commercial affairs committee, which gives him serious standing when it comes to the business side of the sport. During his tenure, Zimbabwe Cricket: - Worked its way out of significant debt - Navigated an ICC suspension over government interference - Secured a place for the women's team on the Future Tours Programme That last point is huge. It expanded fixture opportunities for Zimbabwean women's cricket, giving the team more chances to compete and grow. These achievements clearly factored into the ICC's decision to elevate him to deputy chair, a role that carries real influence over governance and commercial matters worldwide. ### A Historic First Mukuhlani becomes the first Zimbabwean to hold the ICC deputy chair position. His term runs until November 2027. He takes over from Imran Khwaja, the Singapore-based administrator who joined the ICC board back in 2008. Speaking after the appointment, Mukuhlani mentioned cricket's expanding global footprint, including its return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. He said he looks forward to supporting ICC chairman Jay Shah and the rest of the board. "Serving cricket's global interests will remain central to my approach," he said. ### What This Means for the 2027 World Cup With the World Cup less than a year away, Mukuhlani now has dual responsibilities. He's leading Zimbabwe Cricket domestically while representing the region at the ICC's top table. That puts him right at the center of preparations for a tournament organizers hope will leave a lasting impact on cricket's growth across Africa. It's a big moment for Zimbabwe. And for Mukuhlani, it's a chance to shape the sport's future on a global stage. For more cricket news and updates, keep following our blog!