ZIMBABWE Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has risen to one of the most influential positions in world cricket after being appointed Deputy Chairperson of the International Cricket Council, becoming the first Zimbabwean to hold the post.
The ICC Board confirmed Mukuhlani’s appointment on Thursday, with his term running until November 2027. He succeeds Imran Khwaja following the latter’s departure from the Board.
It is a significant elevation for the Zimbabwean administrator, who has represented Zimbabwe on the ICC Board since 2015 and has increasingly occupied important positions within the global governing body.
Mukuhlani currently serves on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee and Nominations Committee, while chairing its Human Resources and Remuneration Committee.
His elevation to Deputy Chair places a Zimbabwean at the upper reaches of global cricket administration at a crucial period for both the country and the African game.
Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia are preparing to co host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will bring the tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years.
Mukuhlani’s appointment therefore arrives at a time when the country is preparing to occupy a prominent place on the international cricket stage, both administratively and as a host of the sport’s flagship 50 over competition.
His continental responsibilities also give the appointment wider African significance. Mukuhlani chairs the Africa Cricket Association, where he has championed stronger cooperation between established and developing cricket nations on the continent.
ICC chairman Jay Shah welcomed the appointment and said Mukuhlani had secured the confidence of his fellow directors.
“I warmly congratulate Tavengwa Mukuhlani on his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ICC,” Shah said.
“His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board.”
Shah said Mukuhlani’s elevation was particularly significant for Zimbabwe, which had never previously produced an ICC Deputy Chair.
“Tavengwa has earned the confidence of his fellow Directors, and I look forward to working closely with him to strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide,” he said.
“His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.”
The appointment comes as international cricket enters another period of expansion, with the sport preparing to return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028, 128 years after cricket made its only previous Olympic appearance in 1900.
“With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital. I wish Tavengwa every success in his new role,” Shah said.
For Mukuhlani, the appointment represents another major chapter in a lengthy involvement in cricket administration.
He has represented Zimbabwe as a Full Member director on the ICC Board since August 2015, giving him more than a decade of experience within the organisation’s highest decision making structures.
Mukuhlani described his appointment as an honour and thanked his fellow directors for placing their confidence in him.
“I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chair of the ICC,” he said.
He will work alongside Shah as the ICC navigates a period that includes the continued expansion of the sport into new markets, its Olympic return and preparations for major global tournaments.
Mukuhlani praised Shah’s leadership and said he was looking forward to contributing to those objectives.
“I look forward to working closely with our Chairman, Mr Jay Shah, whose leadership, energy and ambition have brought a clear sense of purpose to the ICC, with a strong focus on growing cricket, creating opportunities for our Members and reaching new audiences and markets,” he said.
“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion.”
The appointment also strengthens Africa’s presence in the governance conversation at a time when the continent is seeking to broaden cricket beyond its traditional strongholds.
Mukuhlani has recently spoken about developing stronger pathways between Africa’s Full Members and Associate nations, including greater competition, coaching exchanges and opportunities for players from developing cricket countries.
The staging of the 2027 World Cup will provide another opportunity to put African cricket before a global audience, with Zimbabwe sharing hosting responsibilities with South Africa and Namibia.
The tournament will carry particular importance for Zimbabwe, which last co hosted the men’s ODI World Cup with South Africa and Kenya in 2003.
Mukuhlani will now approach that event wearing several influential hats, as Zimbabwe Cricket chairman, Africa Cricket Association chairman, Zimbabwe’s representative on the ICC Board and, for the first time, ICC Deputy Chair.
“I look forward to supporting our Chairman, Mr Jay Shah, and fellow board directors in advancing our shared priorities and serving the best interests of cricket globally,” Mukuhlani said.
For Zimbabwean cricket administration, his elevation marks new ground.
After more than a decade representing the country on the ICC Board, Mukuhlani has now become the first Zimbabwean to occupy the organisation’s Deputy Chair, placing Zimbabwe at the heart of international cricket governance as the countdown towards the 2027 World Cup gathers pace.
