Online Reporter
RARELY has a local sporting association managed to send national teams into international battles in the same calendar year, while also still pursuing other projects such as grassroots programmes and infrastructure development.
Zimbabwe Cricket have somehow managed to attain that feat, sending the Chevrons and Lady Chevrons into major international assignments while co-hosting the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup with Namibia.
Zimpapers Sports Hub’s Don Makanyanga caught up with ZC board chairman Tavengwa Mukhulani on the sidelines of the Under-19 World Cup matches at Harare Sports Club to discuss the state of the national game.
Q: ZC have managed to send for different top global assignments three national teams at once while also keeping the sport alive at home and building world-class infrastructure. What do you attribute this to?
A: This is the result of sustained long-term planning and institutional rebuilding. Zimbabwe Cricket has reached a level of stability where multiple national programmes can operate concurrently without placing strain on the organisation. Currently, we are hosting and competing in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, our women’s team has been competing at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal, and the senior men are in Sri Lanka for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
This depth is further reinforced by the inclusion of Zimbabwean women in the ICC Women’s Championship for the first time, beginning with an away tour to New Zealand this February.
That development confirms that our structures now support men’s, women’s and youth cricket simultaneously and that Zimbabwean cricket is no longer dependent on a single team or cycle to define its relevance.
Q: Given the tough operating environment confronting the sports industry, could you shed some light on the secret behind this ZC success?
A: There is no short-cut or hidden formula. Our progress has been built on discipline, governance reform and consistency in leadership.
We focused on fixing our foundations first — financial transparency, clean audits and credible administration — before expanding activity on the field.
That approach has enabled us to support an exceptionally demanding calendar across all levels, including ICC global events, record volumes of Test cricket, women’s international commitments and expanded development programmes.
Success has come from patience and realism, ensuring growth is inclusive and sustainable rather than reactive.
Q: It was a long road for ZC to get into the green zone in terms of audited accounts, what are some of the areas that you have worked on to achieve financial stability as an association?
A: Financial stability was achieved through strict cost controls, strengthened governance systems, improved procurement processes and consistent independent audits. Consecutive clean audit opinions have restored confidence among stakeholders and partners.
This stability has allowed us to reinvest meaningfully across the game — supporting national teams, funding women’s cricket structures now validated by inclusion in the ICC Women’s Championship, upgrading infrastructure and expanding grassroots programmes — without compromising long-term sustainability.
Q: This also comes as you prepare to conclude construction of the Victoria Falls stadium. How have you as ZC managed to strike a balance between on-field and off-field commitments?
A: We see performance and infrastructure as complementary priorities. In 2025, Zimbabwe played a record 10 Test matches — including a historic fixture against England after 22 years, as well as South Africa and New Zealand — while continuing to invest in facilities that underpin future success.
The Victoria Falls stadium project, alongside the newly completed indoor practice centre in Harare, reflects phased and carefully budgeted investment.
These facilities support high-performance preparation for both men and women, while also strengthening grass-roots access and long-term player development.
Q: As you look forward to what promises to be another busy calendar year for ZC, what can cricket enthusiasts look forward to?
A: Cricket fans can expect another demanding and exciting year. Beyond ongoing ICC events, we are planning to host top international sides, including Australia, with additional series to be confirmed.
Supporters will also see continued growth in domestic cricket through a strengthened National Premier League, wider geographic representation, improved facilities and increased opportunities for women and young players.
The aim is to ensure that Zimbabwean cricket remains competitive, visible and accessible at every level.
Q: As you look ahead to the national teams’ World Cup commitments, what are the lessons drawn from the 2025 calendar year?
A: The biggest lesson is that sustained exposure to top-level cricket is essential, even when results are challenging. Playing a volume of Test cricket comparable to leading nations highlighted both our progress and the gaps that remain, particularly in red-ball cricket.
At the same time, qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after missing the 2024 edition showed the value of resilience and structured preparation.
These lessons apply equally to our women’s programme, which now enters the ICC Women’s Championship — a pathway that will demand consistency, adaptability and professionalism against elite opposition.
Q: How has the bold decision to spread cricket to the people been received in areas where you have taken the game so far?
A: The response has been overwhelmingly positive and in many ways affirming of the direction we have taken. One of the clearest indicators was the massive crowds that turned out for ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup matches hosted at Takashinga Cricket Club, located in the high-density and previously marginalised suburb of Highfield.
The atmosphere and turnout there sent a powerful message: cricket is no longer viewed as a sport for a particular group or background. It is increasingly embraced by people from all walks of life, regardless of skin colour or social status. That level of community engagement would have been unthinkable two decades ago, and it reflects how intentionally taking the game to the people changes perceptions and ownership.
We saw a similar response in Masvingo, which hosted international cricket for the first time when it staged Under-19 World Cup warm-up matches.
The crowds were equally impressive, reinforcing that there is a strong appetite for cricket beyond traditional centres when communities are given access and opportunity. These experiences confirm that cricket in Zimbabwe is becoming a truly national game. Through expanded domestic competitions, grassroots initiatives such as Cricket Kumusha-Cricket Ekhaya, and decentralised hosting of international matches, cricket is now reaching communities that were previously excluded.
It is no longer a niche sport — it is increasingly a game for everyone.
Q: What, if any, challenges have you faced with local authorities on this initiative?
A: The main challenges have involved infrastructure access, land tenure, administrative processes and coordination with local authorities. These are complex issues that require collaboration rather than confrontation. Our approach has been engagement-based — demonstrating the social, economic and developmental value of cricket facilities and aligning projects with broader community objectives.
This model has allowed us to expand both high-performance and grassroots programmes, including women’s cricket, in a sustainable and cooperative manner.
