Zimbabwe Cricket Chief Lands Powerful ICC Role Before 2027 World Cup

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-19

The ICC board has just handed Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani a job that puts him right at the center of the sport's biggest decisions. He's now the deputy chair of the ICC — and the timing couldn't be more interesting. Why? Because Zimbabwe is about to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia. That's less than a year away. So Mukuhlani isn't just getting a fancy title. He's stepping into a role that will shape how the tournament unfolds. The appointment was announced on Thursday, and it comes just months after the three host nations rolled out their joint plans in Sandton. Talk about a busy calendar. ### Why the ICC Picked Mukuhlani The board didn't mince words. They pointed to his leadership record at Zimbabwe Cricket and his deep familiarity with the southern African cricket landscape. In plain English: he knows the region, he knows the game, and he knows how to get things done. His insight is expected to help the ICC and its members deliver a tournament that brings the World Cup back to Africa after a 24-year gap. That's a generation. Officials also tied the appointment to broader efforts to grow cricket across the continent. Here's the thing about Zimbabwe's spot in the tournament: the men's team will play in the World Cup for the first time since 2015. But they got there through co-host status, not through qualifying on the field. That's a detail worth remembering. ### Mukuhlani's Track Record Speaks Volumes Mukuhlani has led Zimbabwe Cricket since 2015. He's won re-election three times since taking charge. He also sits on the ICC's finance and commercial affairs committee, which gives him extra standing in the sport's governing structure. During his time at the helm, Zimbabwe Cricket: - Worked its way out of significant debt - Navigated an ICC suspension over government interference in board affairs - Secured a place for its women's team on the Future Tours Programme That last point matters more than it might seem. It expanded fixture opportunities for Zimbabwean women's cricket — a real step forward for the game's growth in the region. These achievements formed part of the ICC's reasoning for elevating him to deputy chair. This isn't a ceremonial role. It carries influence over governance decisions and commercial matters affecting cricket worldwide. ### First Zimbabwean to Hold the Position Mukuhlani becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as ICC deputy chair. His term runs until November 2027. He takes over from Imran Khwaja, the Singapore-based administrator who joined the ICC board back in 2008 and has held various leadership roles since. After the appointment, Mukuhlani spoke about cricket's expanding global footprint. He mentioned the sport's scheduled return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. He said he looked forward to supporting ICC chairman Jay Shah and the rest of the board as they advance shared priorities. Serving cricket's global interests, he added, would remain central to his approach. > "Cricket's growing footprint around the world presents enormous opportunities. I look forward to supporting the chairman and the board in advancing our shared priorities." — Tavengwa Mukuhlani That quote captures the moment well. Cricket is pushing into new markets, and Mukuhlani wants to be part of that push. ### What This Means for Zimbabwe and the World Cup This appointment strengthens Zimbabwe's profile within global cricket governance at a critical time. The country is preparing for one of the biggest events in its cricketing history. With the World Cup less than a year away, Mukuhlani now carries dual responsibilities. He leads Zimbabwe Cricket domestically while representing the region at the ICC's top table. That places him at the center of preparations for a tournament that organizers hope will leave a lasting impact on the sport's growth across Africa. Will it? That's the big question. Hosting a World Cup can transform cricket in a region — or it can be a fleeting moment. The difference often comes down to leadership, planning, and follow-through. Mukuhlani's new role gives him a seat at the table where those decisions get made. For Zimbabwe, for southern Africa, and for cricket's future on the continent, that's a significant development. For more cricket news and updates, keep an eye on the Jeetwin Blog.