Mukuhlani named ICC deputy chair

He becomes the first Zimbabwean to hold the post

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday named Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its new Deputy Chairperson, making him the first Zimbabwean to hold the post.

Mukuhlani will serve in the role until November 2027, taking over from Imran Khwaja, who is stepping down from the position.
The appointment places Mukuhlani at the heart of world cricket's governing body at a significant time for the sport in Africa. Zimbabwe is set to co-host the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia, marking the tournament's return to the continent for the first time in 24 years.

Mukuhlani already sits on the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee and Nominations Committee, and chairs its HR and Remuneration Committee. He brings years of administrative experience from his tenure leading Zimbabwe Cricket to the new role.

ICC chairman Jay Shah welcomed the appointment, saying Mukuhlani's "experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board."

Shah added that the appointment was "a significant milestone for Zimbabwe," and noted the timing coincides with cricket's push into new territory, including its scheduled return to the Olympic Games. "With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital," Shah said.

Mukuhlani said he was "deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors," and pointed to Shah's leadership as a driving force behind the organisation's current direction.

"Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion," Mukuhlani said, adding he looked forward to "serving the best interests of cricket globally."

Cricket is scheduled to return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, part of a broader push by the ICC to expand the sport's global footprint beyond its traditional strongholds in Asia, Australia and England.

The 2027 World Cup will be the first ICC men's global event hosted on African soil since South Africa staged the tournament in 2003.