Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been elected Deputy Chair of the ICC, stepping into a role long associated with Imran Khwaja and marking a landmark moment for Zimbabwean cricket.
Khwaja’s near 20-year stint as an Associate director on the ICC Board ended in July after he lost a Board election, drawing the curtain on one of the most enduring administrative careers in the game’s modern governance. He then resigned as deputy chair later that same week, creating the vacancy Mukuhlani now fills.
This is not a ceremonial promotion. Mukuhlani already sits at the heart of the ICC’s decision-making machinery: he serves on the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA) and the Nominations Committee, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. Now he steps up to a role that will shape the sport’s direction at a pivotal time.
The timing is no coincidence. Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, and the ICC made clear why Mukuhlani’s elevation matters as the tournament returns to African soil for the first time in 24 years.
“With his leadership experience at Zimbabwe Cricket and his understanding of the region, Mr. Mukuhlani will bring valuable insight as the ICC and its Members work towards delivering a landmark World Cup that will return the tournament to Africa after 24 years and further strengthen the growth and development of cricket across the continent,” the ICC said in its statement.
For Zimbabwe, a country that has fought to stay relevant in the global game, this is a powerful signal. One of their own now sits in the second-most influential seat in world cricket, with a home World Cup on the horizon.
Mukuhlani did not downplay the weight of the moment.
“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. “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.”
The sport itself is shifting under his feet. Cricket is heading back to the Olympic Games and chasing new frontiers across emerging markets. Mukuhlani knows he will be judged on how well he helps steer that expansion.
“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion. 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,” he added.
Jay Shah, the ICC Chair, underlined why the Board turned to Mukuhlani at this juncture.
“His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board. 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,” Shah said.
Then came the line that will resonate in Harare and beyond.
“His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.”
A long Khwaja chapter has closed. A Zimbabwean voice now sits at the top table as cricket prepares for an African World Cup and an Olympic return. The decisions taken in that boardroom over the next few years will show just how much that shift in accent and perspective really changes the game.
