Zimbabwe’s Tavengwa Mukuhlani appointed ICC deputy chairman

The International Cricket Council has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its new deputy chairperson, making him the first Zimbabwean to hold the post.

Mukuhlani, who is the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, will serve in the role until November 2027. He replaces Singapore’s Imran Khwaja, who recently left the ICC board.

The appointment, approved by the ICC board of directors, positions Mukuhlani as the second-in-command to the newly installed ICC chairman, Jay Shah.

What is Tavengwa Mukuhlani’s background in cricket?

Mukuhlani is already deeply embedded in the governance of the international game. Alongside his role representing Zimbabwe on the ICC board, he currently chairs the governing body’s HR and Remuneration Committee.

He also holds influential seats on the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee and its Nominations Committee. His elevation to deputy chair solidifies his standing as one of the most prominent administrators in world cricket.

In a statement, Shah praised Mukuhlani’s extensive administrative track record, saying his "understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board."

Shah added that Mukuhlani had earned the trust of his peers on the board during a time of significant transition for the sport.

Why is this appointment historic?

Mukuhlani’s election marks the first time an administrator from Zimbabwe has risen to the position of deputy chairperson at the ICC.

Accepting the role, Mukuhlani said he was "deeply honoured" by the vote of confidence from his fellow directors. He singled out Shah’s leadership, saying he looked forward to working with the chairman to bring "a clear sense of purpose to the ICC" with a focus on reaching new audiences and growing the game globally.

The administrative shift comes as cricket prepares for its highly anticipated return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles in 2028, a move administrators hope will unlock new commercial frontiers, particularly in the United States.

What does this mean for African cricket?

The timing of Mukuhlani’s appointment is particularly significant for the African continent. Zimbabwe is currently preparing to co-host the Men’s Cricket World Cup in late 2027, alongside South Africa and Namibia.

It will be the first time the tournament has been played on African soil since 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya shared hosting duties.

With Mukuhlani now occupying a senior leadership role at the ICC, African cricket officials hope the region will have a stronger voice in the planning of what is being billed as a landmark tournament for the continent. The ICC noted that his experience would be "valuable" in helping to deliver a tournament that could drive long-term growth across Africa.