Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) managing director, Wilfred Mukondiwa, has stepped down after a 14 year stay at the county’s cricket governing body and the board has moved in swiftly appointing former International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Financial Officer Mr Faisal Hasnain to succeed him.

Mukondiwa, who was appointed ZC managing director in 2012 replacing Ozias Bvute who had stepped down, will reach the retirement age of 65 later this month and will effectively step down from his role on 14 June 2017. 

During his 14 years with ZC Mukondiwa served in different capacities from general manager for human resources, board secretary and deputy managing director.

“I have had an enriching experience at ZC and in the sporting industry in general and I am grateful for that,” Mr Mukondiwa said. 

Under Mukondiwa ZC has had a fair share of success and drama characterized by declining revenues. He has also enjoyed and overseen the Chevrons chasing major cricketing giants. 

“My tenure was punctuated with various challenges which I believe, if all stakeholders were united and shared a common sense of purpose, are not insurmountable but of a temporary nature. 

“In that regard, it is gratifying to see the player base growing and young players coming into the limelight. This is a positive development for the future. As I leave the organization, I am sure I will enjoy my retirement knowing full well we have laid out a solid vision and put in place systems to ensure ZC is operationally sound and well-positioned for success,” added Mukondiwa.

In a statement released by ZC, board chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani thanked Mukondiwa for his contribution in the development of the game in Zimbabwe.

“On behalf of the ZC board and the entire organization, I would like to acknowledge Mr Mukondiwa’s invaluable contributions to the game of cricket, in particular his leadership during a challenging period for both the organization and the country.

In the same statement ZC also announced that former International Cricket Council chief financial officer Faisal Hasnain will take over from Mukondiwa. 

“While we regret losing Mukondiwa’s active leadership and guidance, the board is pleased to appoint Hasnain to the role of managing director. We believe his impressive résumé, experience and desire to succeed equip him well for the challenges ahead, and we are confident that he will build upon the strong foundation that Mukondiwa is leaving.”