WEST INDIES SUFFER FRESH BLOW AS DIRECT QUALIFICATION TO ODI WORLD CUP 2027 SLIPS AWAY

• West Indies have missed automatic qualification to ODI World Cup 2027.

• The Caribbean side will now have to battle through the Qualifiers to reach the mega event.

West Indies have been dealt another major setback in their bid to reach the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the two-time champions now certain to enter the qualification tournament rather than secure a direct place through the ICC rankings. Afghanistan’s victory over Ireland in Belfast confirmed their position among the teams set to qualify automatically, leaving the Caribbean side outside the required top-eight bracket.

Under the qualification system, the eight highest-ranked teams in the ICC ODI rankings on September 30, 2026, excluding co-hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, will earn automatic entry into the 14-team World Cup. Afghanistan’s rise into that group has effectively ended West Indies’ hopes of breaking into the direct qualification places.

The West Indies are currently ranked 10th and have two ODIs against India remaining before the cut-off. However, even winning both matches will not be enough to lift them into the automatic qualification positions. That means the Caribbean side will once again have to take the longer route to the World Cup.

A painful reminder of what happened in 2023

For West Indies, another qualification campaign represents an uncomfortable return to a situation they would have desperately wanted to avoid. The Caribbean giants were forced to enter the qualification process for the 2023 ODI World Cup as well. Their campaign in Zimbabwe ended in disappointment after they finished fifth in the Super Six stage and failed to qualify for the tournament.

It was a historic low for one of cricket’s most successful teams. West Indies had appeared at every men’s ODI World Cup from the inaugural edition in 1975 until 2019, but their failure to qualify for the 2023 tournament brought that remarkable streak to an end. The consequences continued beyond the World Cup. Their ranking position also meant they missed the 2025 Champions Trophy, having last featured in the competition in 2013. With another World Cup qualification battle now confirmed, there will inevitably be concern about history repeating itself.

New qualification system offers another route

The 2027 qualification tournament will feature 10 teams and provide West Indies with another opportunity to reach the global showpiece. The field is set to include West Indies and Ireland as the two lowest-ranked non-host Full Members, along with the top four teams from Cricket World Cup League 2 and the four sides emerging from the Qualifier Playoff.

The playoff itself brings together teams from different levels of the qualification pyramid, including the bottom four League 2 sides and four teams from the Challenge League. The revised system also gives teams more than one opportunity to progress. The winner of the 10-team Qualifier will earn a direct place in the second round of the 2027 World Cup. Teams finishing second, third and fourth will enter a three-team Super Series, with the winner also advancing.

The ICC approved the revamped World Cup structure in July, with the 14-team tournament designed to provide more competitive matches while keeping the overall event shorter. While the new pathway keeps West Indies’ World Cup dream alive, it also highlights the seriousness of their current position. A team once synonymous with dominance on the global stage now faces another high-pressure qualification campaign.

For Shai Hope and his teammates, the immediate task is clear: finish the remaining fixtures strongly, regroup and make sure the next qualification journey does not end in another historic disappointment.

- Akshat Gaur

WHY ZIMBABWE AND INDIA CRICKETERS ARE WEARING BLACK ARMBANDS FOR THE SECOND T20I

India and Zimbabwe players were seen wearing black armbands during the second T20I in Harare on Saturday - here’s why.

The two teams took on each other in the second game of the three-match T20I series on Saturday (July 25). At the toss, which was won by Zimbabwe, both skippers, Shreyas Iyer and Sikandar Raza, were seen wearing black armbands, the reason for which was later confirmed by the BCCI.

Why are India and Zimbabwe wearing black armbands for the 2nd T20I?

According to a statement by the Indian cricket board, both Team India and Zimbabwe players are paying their respects to the Zimbabwe Cricket vice-chairman Sylvester Matshaka, who passed away last night.

Zimbabwe Cricket mourned the loss of Matshaka, 76, who passed away following a short illness on Friday. He joined the ZC board in 2006 and served as the vice-chairman since 2015. He was also part of the leadership that oversaw Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in 2011, after a six-year absence.

Zimbabwe Cricket’s chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, paid tribute to Matshaka: “Mr Matshaka was a steady hand during some of the most defining moments in our history and his wisdom, sound judgement and quiet strength helped shape the organisation we are today, while his passion for growing the game touched countless lives across Zimbabwe.”

India make one change, Ashok Sharma dropped

India made one change to their XI, bringing in debutant Yash Thakur for Ashok Sharma for the game. Ashok, who had also made his debut in the last game, conceded 0-29 in four overs on Thursday. Zimbabwe were unchanged, hoping to draw level in the series after India clinched the first game by seven wickets.

The third T20I will be played tomorrow, Sunday, July 26

- Wisden

INDIA'S STAR BATTER VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI REFLECTS ON HIS UNIQUE CONNECTION WITH HARARE AHEAD OF ZIM VS. INDIA T20I SERIES

India's star batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi reflects on his unique connection with Harare ahead of the ZIM vs IND T20I series (Image source: X)

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi spoke about his special connection with Harare before the Zimbabwe T20I series.

• Suryavanshi will look to bounce back in form as India take on Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20I series.

Table of Contents

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart

• Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue

Following back-to-back T20I series setbacks, reigning world champions India have arrived in Zimbabwe seeking a swift turnaround. The three-match T20I series kicks off on July 22 at the Harare Sports Club, and all eyes are firmly on 15-year-old batting phenom Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After a quiet start to his international career in England, the teenage prodigy is eager to regain his explosive rhythm on familiar ground.

Suryavanshi, India’s youngest senior international cricketer, faced a baptism of fire during his debut tour, posting scores of 14, 13, and 15 across three matches. However, returning to Harare offers the young left-handed opener a chance to reset his game at a venue where he produced one of the most memorable innings of his blossoming career.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart

For Suryavanshi, stepping back onto the lush turf of the Harare Sports Club brings back overwhelming nostalgia. Just four months ago, the venue served as the backdrop for India’s triumph at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, where Suryavanshi stole the spotlight with a breathtaking, match-winning performance.

In a video released by the BCCI ahead of the series opener, Suryavanshi expressed his excitement about returning to the historic venue:

“We are currently in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this is a very memorable ground for me. Just four months ago, we played the U-19 World Cup here and won it, so it’s a very special ground. Representing India is everyone’s dream, and it’s a truly special moment to return and play on such a great ground where we created history just four months ago. It is a wonderful feeling, so we will enjoy it.”

During that dramatic U-19 summit clash against England, Suryavanshi hammered a record-breaking 175 off just 80 deliveries. That masterclass included 15 fours and 15 sixes, propelling India to their sixth youth world title. Having already mapped out the pitch conditions and boundary dimensions from his previous stint, the teenager remains confident in applying those insights as India seek a dominant series victory.

Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue

While Team India aim to test their tactical depth, hosts Zimbabwe are determined to capitalize on home advantage. Zimbabwe Cricket announced a formidable squad led by veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, balancing seasoned international experience with promising young talent.

The squad features key pace weapons Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, while experienced all-rounders Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere strengthen the middle order. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga has earned his maiden T20I call-up, while Madhevere makes his return to the national setup. With Suryavanshi looking to turn past memories into fresh runs, the stage is set for an exciting clash in Harare.

- Akash Thapa

LADY CHEVRONS RETURN HOME

THE Zimbabwe senior women’s cricket team returned to Harare yesterday morning following their tour of Pakistan and will take a week-long break before regrouping for a high-performance camp in Bulawayo.

The camp, held at the high-performance centre run by Zimbabwe Cricket in Bulawayo, will bring together senior national team players and selected prospects from the high-performance programme.

Technical director Steve Mangongo confirmed the programme will begin in a week.

“Training starts in a week,” Mangongo told NewsDay Sport.

The break allows the squad time to recover from the demanding tour of Pakistan before resuming intensive training.

The Bulawayo camp is expected to focus on fitness, skills development and tactical work in a centralised environment aimed at raising standards across the national women’s cricket pathway.

It will also allow emerging players to train alongside established internationals as Zimbabwe continues efforts to strengthen its talent pipeline.

The move is part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s broader strategy to consolidate high-performance programmes outside Harare and expand opportunities for players across the country.

- AUSTIN KARONGA

BLESSIN MUZARABANI HANDED TWO-YEAR PSL BAN AFTER PULLING OUT OF IPL

Blessing Muzarabani had been signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL edition, but later opted out to take up an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity with KKR in the IPL. (KKR)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years after he backed out of a contract for the 2026 season.

Muzarabani was signed by Islamabad United for the upcoming PSL season but later decided to pursue an opportunity in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 29-year-old joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman for IPL 2026, leading the PCB to take disciplinary action against the pacer.

The PCB released a statement highlighting the importance of honouring contracts in franchise cricket.

“After a thorough review, the PCB has declared that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the HBL PSL, effective immediately. This decision results from his failure to honor agreed commitments, which undermines the league’s professional structure.

“The PCB believes that professional cricket depends on trust and the certainty of agreements. In this case, despite a clear offer and a definite acceptance of the essential terms, the player chose to ignore these obligations for another opportunity,” the statement said.

Muzarabani quickly made a mark for KKR in IPL 2026, taking 4/41 in his second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The development comes at a time when T20 leagues are tightening rules around player withdrawals. The IPL introduced a regulation ahead of the 2025 season stating that any player who pulls out after being picked at the auction, without a valid reason, would face a two-season ban.

England’s Ben Duckett, who withdrew from the 2026 season despite being signed by Delhi Capitals, and Harry Brook, who had taken a similar call earlier, are among those impacted.

This season marks a rare overlap of the PSL and IPL, with both leagues running simultaneously, creating scheduling conflicts and forcing players to choose between commitments.

- Express News Service

INDIA FAVOURITES AS T20 WORLD CUP TO BEGIN AFTER CHAOTIC BUILD-UP

Co-hosts India are the defending T20 World Cup champions (Indranil Mukherjee) (Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/AFP)

Cricket's T20 World Cup begins Saturday after an acrimonious build‑up overshadowed by political turmoil, with Bangladesh kicked out and Pakistan refusing to face arch-rivals and co-hosts India.

When the first ball is finally bowled after a chaotic lead-in, Pakistan will open the tournament against the Netherlands in Colombo.

Defending champions and tournament favourites India will make their tournament bow in the night match on day one against the United States in Mumbai, carrying the hopes of a billion-plus home cricket supporters.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will start as firm tournament favourites and are expected to ease into the Super Eight stage from Group A.

But they will be wary of the United States, who are looking to take down another cricketing powerhouse, having shocked Pakistan to make the Super Eights in 2024.

Former champions Australia and England are also strong contenders to lift the trophy and deny holders India the title for a record second straight time.

The 2021 winners Australia have been hit hard by the absence of pace spearhead Pat Cummins, who was ruled out with a lower back injury.

Pace bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the early stages as he recovers from hamstring and Achilles injuries.

Led by Mitchell Marsh, the Australians should still ease into the next round from Group B against Ireland, who they play first on Wednesday, plus co-hosts Sri Lanka Oman and Zimbabwe.

Harry Brook's England, full of confidence after a 3-0 T20 series win in Sri Lanka this week, are expected to make the Super Eights from a Group C that also features two-time winners West Indies, debutants Italy, Nepal and Scotland.

Brook, under intense scrutiny after having to apologise for an incident with a night club bouncer in New Zealand last year, takes charge at a global tournament for the first time since he replaced Jos Buttler as white ball captain.

England, who start with a match against Nepal on Sunday in Mumbai, won the tournament in 2010 and 2022.

Scotland, after their 11th-hour call-up to replace Bangladesh, will take guard on the opening day when they face the West Indies in Kolkata.

Football powerhouse Italy will make an appearance at a cricket World Cup for the first time, and will kick off against the Scots in Kolkata on Monday.

South Africa, the runners-up in 2024, have never won a white ball World Cup, but are buoyed by winning the World Test Championship last year.

They will be a threat but must first emerge from a tough-looking Group D that contains dangerous opponents in New Zealand and Afghanistan.

They begin against Canada on Monday in Ahmedabad, with the UAE the other team in that group.

The top two teams from each of the four groups of five teams will advance to the Super Eights, with the top four making the semi-finals.

- Politics, pullouts -

There will be relief at the weekend when the action gets under way finally after weeks of political posturing that has dominated the build-up to 10th edition of the showpiece tournament.

Bangladesh refused to play in India, citing security concerns, as relations between the two countries soured and were kicked out by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from England's Group C.

The ICC is led by Jay Shah, the former Indian cricket board secretary and son of the powerful Indian home minister Amit Shah.

Pakistan, who had backed Bangladesh's plea to have their games moved to Sri Lanka, were cleared to play by the Islamabad government but they ordered the team not to play the marquee group clash against fierce rivals India on February 15.

According to media reports, the ICC is still waiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board on the boycott, leaving the door slightly ajar for a last-minute deal to get the game on.

If India are awarded a walkover, Pakistan will lose two points and take a big hit to their net run rate.

If any of their other three Group A games are lost to the weather then it could make it almost impossible for Pakistan to qualify.

Pakistan's pullout will result in a loss of millions of dollars in revenue for broadcasters, and will be a huge letdown for fans on both sides.

The crisis was triggered last month when India's cricket board ordered the IPL's Kolkata Knight Riders to drop Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, a move that deepened political strains between the neighbours.

The tournament will conclude with the final on March 8 in Ahmedabad or Colombo, depending on whether Pakistan go that far.

- Faisal KAMAL

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ZIMBABWE VS. SOUTH AFRICA: WIAAN MULDER CREATES HISTORY, ALSO FOLLOWS VIRENDER SEHWAG IN ELITE CLUB

The South African all-rounder became the first to score a triple hundred in Test captaincy debut and the second-fastest to the milestone after Virender Sehwag

Wiaan Mulder became the first player to score a triple ton on captaincy debut | X

Wiaan Mulder couldn't have had a better start to his captaincy career, even if this role has been as a stand-in leader in Temba Bavuma's absence. The 27-year-old all-rounder, slotting in at no.3, became South Africa's second triple centurion in Tests after Hashim Amla and also set a few other benchmarks as well. Most importantly, Mulder became the first player ever to register a triple ton on captaincy debut, highlighting the massive significance of his feat.

Studded with 38 fours and three sixes, Mulder got to his triple hundred off just 297 deliveries, making it the second fastest of all-time, only behind India's Virender Sehwag who got his second triple ton off just 278 deliveries, coincidentally against South Africa in 2008. At 27, Mulder is also the youngest captain ever to get to a triple ton and his efforts saw South Africa extend their opening day's dominance into two day against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on a flat pitch.

Walking into bat at the tenth over, Mulder played dots off his first five deliveries before unleashing his first scoring shot for a boundary, courtesy a flick through mid-wicket. From that moment, there was no looking for the all-rounder as he found his timing and tempo in a perfect sync against Zimbabwe's unimaginative bowling attack. The home side were guilty of erring in their length to Mulder.

The South African stand-in captain was quick to pounce on anything remotely full or short. The half-volleys were either driven straight back past the bowler or worked away through mid-wicket or square leg for boundaries. Zimbabwe's bowlers then tried to overcompensate but the length wasn't short enough to trouble Mulder who does play bouncers well anyway. He ruthlessly dispatched the loose balls to the fence.

While he was largely in control for most of his innings, there was one major moment of fortune when Mulder was clean bowled by a searing Tanaka Chivanga yorker, only for the bowler to overstep, thereby giving the South Africa stand-in captain a reprieve. There were a few other moments where the edges didn't quite carry to the slips but on most of those occasions, Mulder was playing with soft hands to nullify the edge.

As he progressed through his innings, the stand-in captain's intent at the crease went through the gears and after his double ton, Mulder was batting with a limited-overs mindset. Understandably, there was no plan for a triple hundred at that point but soon it was clear that the landmark was inevitable for the all-rounder. The triple century mark was reached in the 100th over when Mulder worked a low full toss through square leg.

- Hariprasad Sadanandan

KRYSTY COVENTRY BECOMES IOC'S FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT

Thomas Bach presented Kirsty Coventry with a symbolic key to the IOC headquarters in LausanneImage: Laurent Cipriani/AP Photo/picture alliance

Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry was elected as the first woman and the first person from Africa to the post of International Olympic Committee president in March. She has now taken over from Thomas Bach of Germany.

Kirsty Coventry made sporting history by being elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its General Assembly on March 20, 2025. On Monday (June 23, 2025) she officially took over from outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach. 

"In this spirit of gratitude, confidence and joy, I hand over the keys of Olympic House to Mrs Kirsty Coventry, the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee," Bach said as he handed over a key to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland to Coventry.

The Zimbabwean thus became the first woman and the first person from Africa to hold the top job at the organization.

"Now she makes history," Bach added. 

"I can't believe that in 1992 when I had the dream of going to the Olympic Games and winning a gold medal for Zimbabwe, that I'd be standing here with all of you, getting to make those dreams come true for more young people around the world," Coventry said in her speech, in which she also thanked Bach for keeping the IOC united during "some of the most turbulent times."

Back in March, Coventry surprised many by winning the job in just one round of voting, securing 49 of the 97 possible votes. Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior won 28, while World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe earned eight votes.

Coventry is the youngest president since Pierre de Coubertin, the founding father of the modern Olympic Games. The Frenchman founded the IOC in 1894 and took over the presidency two years later at the age of 33. Coventry, a former world-class swimmer from Zimbabwe , is 41.

Africa's most successful female Olympian

At the age of 20, she made her Olympic dream come true. At the 2004 Games in Athens, Coventry won the gold medal in the 200-meter backstroke. Four years later, in 2008 in Beijing, she won gold again. In addition to those two gold medals, she collected four Olympic silver medals and one bronze. This makes Coventry Africa's most successful female Olympian of all time. The only African who has had more success at the Olympics is long-distance runner Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia – who won three gold medals (and two bronze).

Kirsty Coventry won her first Olympic gold medal in AthensImage: Tim Clary/AFP/Getty Images

By the time Coventry finished her career, she had been at five Olympics, broken multiple world records and had one of the best World Championship careers of all time.

Uniting a troubled nation

Writing on LinkedIn, Coventry said her success was more important for what it symbolised.

"However, none of this is as important as what this success did and can do for others. It united my country where divisions caused by economic and political turmoil were crippling it, and it gave hope to people who thought their circumstances prevented them from following their dreams."

While still an active swimmer, Coventry was elected to the IOC Athletes' Commission in 2013. She represented the interests of athletes for eight years, including three years as chairperson. More recently, she has been a member of the IOC Executive Board.

Kirsty Coventry dominated the women's backstroke for years

An African Olympic host?

The increased influence of the Zimbabwean has raised hopes in Africa that the Summer Olympics could soon perhaps be hosted on the African continent for the first time.

Although South Africa and Egypt have expressed their interest, Coventry has played down such expectations.

"The interest is there and now we need to ensure that we're working closely with all of these countries that are interested so that they fully understand the magnitude of the Olympic Games," she said.

The countries of Africa, Coventry said in a Q&A session organized by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), should "really strategically look from the African Union point of view on how we can develop through the All Africa Games our infrastructure that can then be followed up and used by an Olympic Games bid."

Coventry knows from experience just how tough such political processes can be. She has been Zimbabwe's Minister of Sport since 2018, adding she now definitely has a thicker skin than she used to as an athlete.

Diplomatic on controversial issues

When asked whether she thinks trans women should be allowed to compete in women's competitions, she was evasive.

"100% it is necessary to find a solution," Coventry said. "I think that we as the IOC have to take a little bit more of a leadership role."

The Zimbabwean also avoided going too far out on a limb on another hot topic before the IOC election: the possibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing at the Olympics.

Should she succeed Thomas Bach, Kirsty Coventry would be the first woman and first African to head the IOCImage: Laurent Gillieron/KEYSTONE/picture alliance

"I think above anything else it's our duty as the IOC to ensure that all athletes can participate at the Games," she said. "That's going to look different for a number of different athletes but at the end of the day I do believe that we need to find a holistic way of sadly dealing with athletes from conflict areas."

She was speaking in light of her experience competing for Zimbabwe at a time when the country was in political turmoil and under international sanctions.

"It could have been very easy for the international community to not allow us to take part. I look at (it) and say what would my life be today? I am grateful that I was not held accountable for what the leaders and governments were doing."

Much to do in battle for equality

Kirsty Coventry is not only a sports administrator and politician but also a mother. She has two daughters, one six year old and one born less than six months ago.

"By the time she was one year old, she had already been to 10 different countries around the world," Coventry said of her older daughter.

"I have an incredible network of support from my husband and family. This is a normal way of life for us. I think it's a good way to show that women are just as capable as men even if we are to be expected to be full-time mothers, wives, daughters etc."

"We still have a lot of work to do, and I am excited about leading this movement," Coventry said of gender equality. "Women are ready to lead. I look at it as an opportunity to push through boundaries so that when my two girls are growing up, they don't have the same boundaries."

Coventry will take office on June 24, 2025, one day after outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach's term ends. 

- Stefan Nestler

ZIMBABWE EDGE OUT BANGLADESH IN LOW-SCORING TEST

Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 10 wickets for the match, but Zimbabwe won the first Test. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP

Opener Brian Bennett hit his second half-century of the match to set up Zimbabwe's thrilling three-wicket victory in the opening Test against Bangladesh.

Chasing 174 for victory in Sylhet on Wednesday, Zimbabwe got off to a strong start against the home side, with Bennett (54) and Ben Curran (44) adding 95 for the opening stand.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5-50) broke the partnership and triggered a collapse to inject fresh excitement into the low-scoring contest.

The offspinner, who claimed 5-52 in the first innings, removed both openers and ran through the Zimbabwe middle order to keep alive the home side's hopes of an improbable win.

With wickets tumbling at the other end, Wessly Madhevere, who made a patient 19 not out from 55 balls, stepped on the gas to help the tourists reach their victory target, finishing on 7-174.

Madhevere sealed Zimbabwe's first Test victory in four years with a reverse-swept four off Mehidy.

Zimbabwe paceman Blessing Muzarabani was named player of the match after following up his 3-50 in the first innings with 6-72 in Bangladesh's second dig.

The second Test in Chattogram starts on Monday.

- Reuters 

BREAKING: FIFA DEDUCTS BAFANA BAFANA 5 POINTS | CAF FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS 2026

 

FIFA has decided to deduct Bafana Bafana 5 points. 

They deducted the first 3 points because of fielding suspended player Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho and another 2 points for allowing Lesotho and Zimbabwe to play their home matches in South Africa. 

Further more Nigeria has been rewarded 6 points for reporting South Africa to FIFA. 

Here is the new log as things stand Nigeria are log leaders with 13 points, Bafana Bafana drops to second with 8 points.

KIRSTY COVENTRY BECOMES FIRST WOMAN AND FIRST AFRICAN TO LEAD INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
Kirsty Coventry was elected as the new IOC president on Thursday

PYLOS, Greece - Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the International Olympic Committee on Thursday, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the world’s wealthiest multi-sport organization in its 130-year history.

The Zimbabwean needed only one round of voting to clinch the race to succeed Thomas Bach, winning an immediate overall majority in the secret ballot with 49 of the available 97 votes.

Coventry beat Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. into second place, the Spaniard winning 28 votes. Britain’s Sebastian Coe, considered one of the front runners in the days leading up to the vote, came third with eight vote.

"Coventry beat Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. into second place, the Spaniard winning 28 votes. Britain’s Sebastian Coe, considered one of the front runners in the days leading up to the vote, came third with eight votes.

The remaining votes went to Frenchman David Lappartient, Jordan’s Prince Feisal, Swedish-born Johan Eliasch, and Japan’s Morinari Watanabe.

"This is not just a huge honour but it is a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you that I will lead this organisation with so much pride," a beaming Coventry told her fellow IOC members at the luxury seaside resort in Greece’s southwestern Peloponnese which hosted the IOC Session.

"I will make all of you very, very proud, and hopefully extremely confident with the choice you've taken today, thank you from the bottom of my heart," she added.

Coventry said she now wants to bring all the candidates together.

"I'm going to sit down with President Bach. We're going to have a few months for a handover takeover. And what I want to focus on is bringing all the candidates together. There were so many good ideas and exchanges over the last six months.

"Look at the IOC and our Olympic movement and family and decide how exactly we're going to move forward in the future. What is it that we want to focus on in the first six months? I have some ideas, but a part of my campaign was listening to the IOC members and hearing what they have to say and hearing how we want to move together."

SHOW OF UNITY

Coventry's first-round landslide was a show of unity in the body, she said.

"It's extremely important we have to be a united front and we have to work together. We don't and we might not always agree, but we have to be able to come together for the betterment of the movement."

A seven-times Olympic medallist , Coventry won 200m backstroke gold at the 2004 Athens Games and again in Beijing four years later.

She was added to the IOC's Athletes’ Commission in 2012, and her election to the top job signals a new era for the IOC, with expectations that she will bring a fresh perspective to pressing issues such as athlete rights, the gender debate and the sustainability of the Games.

A champion of sport development in Africa, Coventry has pledged to expand Olympic participation and ensure the Games remain relevant to younger generations.

She also inherits the complex task of navigating relations with global sports federations and sponsors while maintaining the IOC’s financial stability, which has relied heavily on its multibillion-dollar broadcasting and sponsorship deals.

As she takes the helm, the global sporting community will be watching closely to see how Coventry shapes the future of the world’s biggest multi-sport organisation.

While her election was broadly popular among the IOC family, there was disquiet in some quarters over her links with the Zimbabwean government, for whom she serves as Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation, a position that has raised eyebrows given Zimbabwe's problematic history with political freedoms.

The country has faced sanctions from the United States and the European Union. Coventry's longstanding recognition in Zimbabwe, where she was given a $100,000 award by the former President Robert Mugabe for her success at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, adds further complexity to the situation. Mugabe was in power for 37 years before being overthrown in a military-backed coup in 2017.

Although Coventry has attempted to separate herself from political affairs, her ministerial role and ties with Zimbabwe's leadership continue to be contentious issues as she steps into the leadership of the world's most powerful sports organisation.

On Thursday, though, she was all smiles.

Champion in Athens 2004, victorious again in Pylos -- her golden touch in Greece shows no signs of fading.

"Greece seems to be my lucky charm," she smiled.

- Reuters, editing by Toby Davis and Ed Osmond

 

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