Zimbabwe Cricket Boss Lands Huge ICC Role Before 2027 World Cup

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-19

The ICC board just handed Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani a big new job: deputy chair. And the timing couldn't be more interesting. Zimbabwe is gearing up to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup, and now one of its own will sit near the top of the sport's global governance. The appointment was announced on Thursday, just months after Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia rolled out their joint hosting plans in Sandton. If you follow cricket, you know this is a pretty big deal for a country that's had its share of ups and downs in the sport. ### Why the ICC Picked Mukuhlani The board pointed straight to Mukuhlani's track record at Zimbabwe Cricket. He's been leading the organization since 2015 and knows the southern African cricket scene inside and out. The ICC said his insight will help deliver a tournament that brings the World Cup back to Africa after a 24-year absence. But it's not just about the World Cup. Officials also tied the appointment to broader efforts to grow cricket across the continent. Think of it as a signal that Africa's voice matters more than ever in the global game. ### Zimbabwe's Big Moment Zimbabwe will co-host the ODI World Cup next October and November alongside South Africa and Namibia. For Zimbabwean cricket, this is huge. The men's team will play in the event for the first time since 2015, though they got in as co-hosts rather than through qualification on the field. Still, it's a chance to showcase the country's passion for the game. And with Mukuhlani now in a key ICC role, Zimbabwe has a seat at the table when decisions are made. ### Mukuhlani's Track Record Speaks for Itself Mukuhlani's resume at Zimbabwe Cricket is impressive. He's won re-election three times since taking charge in 2015. He also serves on the ICC's finance and commercial affairs committee, which gives him extra influence in the sport's money matters. During his tenure, Zimbabwe Cricket climbed out of significant debt and navigated a suspension imposed by the ICC over government interference. The organization also secured a spot for its women's team on the Future Tours Programme, opening up more fixture opportunities for Zimbabwean women's cricket. Here's a quick rundown of his key achievements: - Led Zimbabwe Cricket since 2015, re-elected three times - Served on ICC's finance and commercial affairs committee - Helped Zimbabwe Cricket get out of major debt - Steered the organization through an ICC suspension - Secured Future Tours Programme status for the women's team These wins clearly factored into the ICC's decision to elevate him. ### 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 in 2008 and has held various leadership roles since. After the appointment, Mukuhlani talked about cricket's growing global footprint, including its return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. He said he's looking forward to supporting ICC chairman Jay Shah and the rest of the board as they push shared priorities. He also made it clear that serving cricket's global interests will be central to his approach. As he put it, "I look forward to supporting the ICC chairman and the board as we advance our shared priorities for the sport." That's a pretty standard line, but coming from someone who's navigated real challenges at Zimbabwe Cricket, it carries weight. ### What This Means for the 2027 World Cup With the World Cup less than a year away, Mukuhlani will be juggling two big roles: leading Zimbabwe Cricket domestically and representing the region at the ICC's top table. That puts him right in the middle of preparations for a tournament that organizers hope will leave a lasting mark on cricket across Africa. For Zimbabwe, it's a chance to shine on the world stage. For Mukuhlani, it's a chance to prove that his leadership can translate to the global level. And for cricket fans, it's a reminder that the sport's power base is shifting, with Africa playing a bigger role than ever. So keep an eye on Zimbabwe. The 2027 ODI World Cup could be a turning point, and Mukuhlani will be right at the center of it all.