The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani as the new Deputy Chairperson which is a significant change in the governing body leadership. Mukuhlani will hold the position until November 2027, replacing Imran Khwaja, who steps down from the role.
Mukuhlani, representing Zimbabwe Cricket on the ICC Board, is the first Zimbabwean to be appointed Deputy Chairperson of the global cricket governing body. He will be at a critical stage in Zimbabwe Cricket when it co-hosts the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup with South Africa and Namibia.
This adds an African perspective to the ICC leadership at a time when the sport is on the path to globalization. Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia are preparing to host the men's ODI World Cup in 2027 - bringing the prestigious tournament back to the continent after 24 years.
Mukuhlani already holds a number of important roles in the ICC structure. He is on the Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) Committee and Nominations Committee. He also heads the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee - he has experience in many areas of cricket administration.
The ICC chairman Jay Shah welcomed Mukuhlani's appointment and mentioned that he has experience in cricket administration. Mukuhlani's knowledge of the global game and commitment to the development of the game to the ICC Board will be of interest, Shah said.
Shah also said that Mukuhlani's appointment marks a very significant step in Zimbabwe as he is the first person from the country to take up the ICC Deputy Chairperson position. He said that Mukuhlani had earned the confidence of his colleagues at ICC and the chairman said he looked forward to working with him on the governing body's priorities.
The change of leadership of the ICC comes as international cricket is expanding. Cricket is preparing for its return to the Olympic Games and the governing bodies continue to explore opportunities to reach new audiences and markets around the world.
Mukuhlani’s appointment is extremely important for the development of cricket in Africa. Zimbabwe has been an important member of the international cricket community for centuries and South Africa is also an international cricket player at the highest level. Namibia has also made significant progress in international cricket in recent years.
The 2027 World Cup will be another big opportunity for cricket in the region. Zimbabwe will be hosting it with South Africa and Namibia and the tournament will form a crucial event for the continent’s cricket infrastructure, fan engagement, and commercial development.
When it came to his appointment Mukuhlani said he was honored by the confidence shown in him by the ICC Board Directors. He also expressed the pleasure to be Deputy Chairperson and said he looked forward to working with Jay Shah and other board members.
Mukuhlani said the changing landscape of international cricket, and especially the return of cricket to the Olympics and its continuing worldwide presence, was one of the reasons for his motivation.
In fact, his new role will be bigger than representing Zimbabwe. Mukuhlani will now be in the ICC’s leadership structure as Deputy Chairperson and will be involved in the sport at the moment when it is facing major international events and long-term development targets in the future.
The evolution from Khwaja to Mukuhlani also illustrates the changing dynamics of the leadership of the ICC. Mukuhlani has experience in Zimbabwe Cricket as well as he has been on many committees of the ICC.
The next few years are very important for cricket, with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon and cricket's Olympic return. Mukuhlani's role as Deputy Chairperson will last until November 2027 and will be in the ICC leadership structure for the period of time leading up to and including the World Cup hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia.
