Mukuhlani Elected ICC Deputy Chair: Zimbabwe's Cricket Milestone

Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been elected Deputy Chair of the ICC, a landmark move that places Zimbabwe at the heart of cricket’s global decision‑making just as the sport prepares for a return to Africa’s biggest stage.

He replaces Imran Khwaja, whose long and influential stint on the ICC Board ended earlier this year. Khwaja, the veteran Singapore administrator, had served as an Associate director for nearly two decades before losing an election in July. Within days, he also stepped down as deputy chair, opening the door for a significant reshuffle at the top of the game.

Mukuhlani is no newcomer to the corridors of power. He already sits on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee and the Nominations Committee, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. Now, he steps into a role that will shape cricket’s next phase of expansion.

The timing is no coincidence. Zimbabwe will co‑host the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, a tournament the ICC is determined to turn into a landmark event. In its announcement, the governing body underlined exactly why Mukuhlani’s elevation matters at this moment, stressing that his leadership at Zimbabwe Cricket and his grasp of the regional landscape would bring “valuable insight” as the ICC and its Members work to deliver a World Cup that returns to Africa after 24 years and drives the sport’s growth across the continent.

For Mukuhlani, the appointment is both personal honour and strategic responsibility.

“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, acknowledging the trust of his peers.

He highlighted his intention to work closely with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, praising Shah’s “leadership, energy and ambition” and the clear sense of purpose that has taken hold at the organisation, with a sharp emphasis on growing the game, creating opportunities for Members and reaching new audiences and markets.

Cricket’s calendar is swelling and its horizons widening. The sport is heading back to the Olympic Games and pushing into new territories. Mukuhlani made it clear he wants to be at the centre of that drive, pledging to support Shah and the Board in advancing shared priorities and serving “the best interests of cricket globally.”

Shah, in turn, left no doubt about why Mukuhlani was the choice.

“His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board,” the ICC chairperson said. He pointed to the confidence Mukuhlani has earned among Directors and framed the appointment as a chance to “strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide.”

There is also a powerful symbolic layer. Shah called it a “significant milestone for Zimbabwe,” noting that Mukuhlani becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as ICC Deputy Chair.

For a country preparing to welcome the world in 2027, and a continent waiting 24 years for the World Cup to return, that milestone carries weight far beyond the boardroom.