The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
ZIMBABWE Cricket (ZC) chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani will attend this week’s International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference in Birmingham, England, a happy man.
The Chevrons’ T20 World Cup qualification was so significant for Mukuhlani that he joined the team again for a lap of honour after beating Netherlands in the final at Queens Sports Club last Sunday.
That victory meant Zimbabwe capped off its qualification campaign in style after a semi-final win over Papua New Guinea had already secured them a place at the World Cup set for Australia.
“The hard work starts now. We are back in the big boys’ club; we are back where we believe we belong,” said Mukuhlani shortly before departure for England.
The ICC Conference is scheduled for July 25 to July 26.
“You know we have been waiting for seven years. A lot of work has been put since 2016 to try and get Zimbabwe Cricket back on its feet.
“I think the results on the field are testimony of what has been done within the organisation,” he said.
Zimbabwe will make a return to an ICC competition for the first time since 2016.
At one time, ZC was suspended by ICC.
“Personally, I remained focused (during the suspension). I have had a lot of support … ICC have come to stand by us and they believed in our strategy.
“As a chairperson, I would say those pillars have been great in helping me lead the organisation through the difficult period.
“I am happy we have crossed the line. The finances are in good shape and I am happy the cricket has come to the party.”
ICC’s confidence in Zimbabwe hosting more tournaments is continuing.
“We have the qualifier for the 50-overs competition next year; we also have a qualifier for the women.
“I think we have done well to market our country as a sporting destination for ICC events since 2018,” he said.
Zimbabwe is set to co-host the 2027 ICC World Cup with South Africa and Namibia for the first time since 2003.
“We have project 2027 which Dave (Houghton) is working on to get the team ready.
“We are working to get our facilities ready … We are looking to add more facilities along the way to make sure that with 2027 coming, we have at least one or two more international stadiums …
“I am happy that Minister Kirsty Coventry, His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) and now Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube have come to the party to say ‘we want to help cricket to develop their facilities, not only international facilities, but academies in various parts of the country and all sports clubs where we can play cricket’,” Mukuhlani said.
He acknowledged the impact of having former players such as Hamilton Masakadza in influential positions in ZC.
Efforts are also being made to deal with “integrity issues” following Heath Streak and Brendan Taylor’s involvement in match-fixing.
“We have beefed our integrity unit to make sure that we are well-resourced.
“We are working closely with the ICC Integrity Unit and the head Alex Marshall.
“Recently, we had the doping unit of the ICC coming to do education with everyone, including board members.”
The honeymoon has since ended for the Chevrons, who regroup in Harare today ahead of three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs against visiting Bangladesh between July 30 and August 10.
Another home series featuring three ODIs against India follows between August 18 and August 22 at Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe will then travel to Australia for Super League matches between August 28 and September 3 in Townsville.
Mukuhlani hopes the Chevrons “will keep the same (winning) momentum” in these series.
