Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE CRICKET (ZC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually on Saturday, with delegates from all 10 provincial affiliates unanimously adopting the audited financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024.
For yet another consecutive year, ZC received an unqualified — or clean — audit opinion, a strong endorsement of its financial transparency and governance.
ZC chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani hailed the clean audit as “a testament to the discipline, accountability and professionalism that now underpin every aspect of our operations.”
“Once again, ZC has earned a clean audit, and this is no small achievement. It reflects the financial integrity of the organisation, the diligence of our management team, and the robust systems we have put in place to safeguard public and partner trust,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2024/25 season, Mukuhlani described it as “one of the most significant and defining periods for ZC,” highlighting key milestones both on and off the field.
“It has been a year marked by transformation, redemption and growth across every facet of the game — from senior men’s cricket to grassroots development and, perhaps most strikingly, the unprecedented progress we have witnessed in women’s cricket,” he said in his Chairman’s Report.
Mukuhlani also marked a personal milestone: 10 years at the helm of ZC since his appointment in 2015, and pointed to the organisation’s dramatic turnaround during that time.
“At that time, the organisation was heavily burdened with a US$27 million debt, our international standing was in decline, and hope for a turnaround seemed distant.
“Fast-forward 10 years, and we are proud to report that ZC is debt-free, stable and resurgent — both competitively and institutionally. This transformation has not happened by accident. It has been the result of deliberate strategy, collaborative leadership and relentless commitment by all those involved, from board members and executives to players, coaches and operational staff,” he said.
Among the standout moments of the past year was Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in England in May 2025 — their first such appearance there since 2003. Mukuhlani called it “a powerful symbol of our cricketing resurrection.”
He also noted that 2025 had already become Zimbabwe’s busiest year for red-ball cricket, with a record 11 Test matches scheduled, including contests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan.
Another major highlight came in April, when Zimbabwe hosted the ICC Board and Committee Meetings for the first time. The gatherings, held in Harare and Victoria Falls, significantly boosted the country’s international profile.
Turning to women’s cricket, Mukuhlani said ZC had entered “an exciting and transformative new chapter” with Zimbabwe’s inclusion in the ICC Women’s Championship as part of the global body’s 2025–2029 Future Tours Programme.
“Being part of the ICC Women’s Championship opens up incredible opportunities for our players to compete against the best in the world, which is vital for their growth and development,” he said.
He credited ZC’s board and executive leadership for the organisation’s steady progress and paid special tribute to Managing Director Givemore Makoni —reappointed for another four-year term — for leading ZC out of what he called “its darkest days into a period of financial discipline, administrative professionalism and visionary planning.”
Looking ahead, Mukuhlani expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s preparations to co-host two major global events: the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2026 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027.
“These events promise lasting infrastructure improvements and a new generation of fans and players,” he said.
Mukuhlani also acknowledged his recent appointment as Chairman of the Africa Cricket Association — a role he said he would use to advance cricket development across the continent.
He concluded his remarks by celebrating both team and individual achievements from the past season, including ZC being named National Sport Association of the Year at the 2024 Annual National Sports Awards.
“We have restored our foundations. We have reclaimed our voice on the global stage. Now, we move forward — with purpose, with pride and with a bold vision for the future. The work continues. The dream grows. And, together, we rise,” he said.
