Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has once again thrust himself into the national spotlight after pledging a staggering US$1 million reward to the national cricket team, the Chevrons, following their impressive campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Chivayo made the announcement on Thursday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, commending the Chevrons for reaching the Super Eights stage of the tournament. While celebrating their performance, he added a notable caveat: the cash reward would be paid “subject to approval by the principal” — a phrase he frequently uses when referring to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In his post, Chivayo wrote: “Whatever the final outcome will be for the CHEVRONS CRICKET TEAM, all I know is SO FAR, subject to approval by the PRINCIPAL, I already owe them 1 million USD in cash on their return. Beating very strong teams like Australia and Sri Lanka as well as qualifying into the TOP 8 can not just go UNNOTICED… Good luck against INDIA today.”
Zimbabwe’s run at the T20 World Cup rekindled national pride and reminded fans of the country’s cricketing pedigree. Entering the tournament as underdogs, the Chevrons exceeded expectations with spirited performances that earned admiration across the cricketing world.
The team secured a famous victory over Australia and stunned co-hosts Sri Lanka in a result that many analysts described as one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. A hard-fought draw with Ireland further cemented their place in the next round, ensuring qualification to the Super Eights.
For many Zimbabwean supporters, these victories were more than just wins on the scoreboard. They symbolized resilience, discipline, and belief — qualities that have often defined Zimbabwean sport during challenging periods.
Chivayo Pledges US$1 Million for Chevrons
However, the fairy tale run ultimately lost momentum. Losses to West Indies and India ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals. The heavy defeat to India proved decisive, mathematically ruling them out of contention. With only a dead-rubber fixture against South Africa remaining, their campaign will conclude without a semi-final appearance.
Despite the disappointment, qualifying for the Super Eights remains a significant milestone. Cricket analysts have described the achievement as a major step forward for Zimbabwean cricket, which has struggled in recent years with funding constraints, administrative challenges, and inconsistent results on the international stage.
Chivayo’s million-dollar pledge continues a pattern of high-profile donations that have kept him in the public conversation. In recent years, he has publicly distributed millions of dollars to a range of beneficiaries, including senior army officials, religious leaders, musicians, and local sports clubs.
His philanthropy has often been accompanied by social media announcements and ceremonial handovers, amplifying their visibility. Supporters argue that his interventions have provided much-needed financial boosts to institutions and individuals who might otherwise struggle for support.
However, critics have long questioned the motives behind such largesse.
Some observers note that many of Chivayo’s beneficiaries maintain close ties to Zimbabwe’s political establishment. This has fueled speculation that his donations may serve broader strategic interests beyond philanthropy.
Particular attention has centered on discussions surrounding a reported proposal to extend President Mnangagwa’s term from 2028 to 2030. While the plan remains controversial and unconfirmed in formal legislative terms, it has generated debate in political circles. Critics suggest that high-profile financial support directed toward influential figures and institutions could indirectly bolster such an agenda.
President Mnangagwa has publicly dismissed these claims. He has described Chivayo as an independent philanthropist acting on his own initiative rather than as a political proxy. According to the President, charitable giving should not automatically be interpreted through a political lens.
Chivayo’s pledge to the Chevrons arrives at a time when sport continues to serve as one of Zimbabwe’s most unifying forces. Cricket, in particular, has historically bridged social and political divides, offering rare moments of collective celebration.
By tying the US$1 million reward to presidential approval, however, Chivayo has once again blurred the line between sport and politics in the eyes of some observers. Supporters view the condition as a respectful acknowledgment of national leadership. Detractors see it as reinforcing perceptions of political alignment.
For the players themselves, the promise of a million-dollar windfall — if approved — would represent a transformative bonus. Zimbabwean cricketers, like many athletes in developing cricket nations, often earn modest match fees compared to their counterparts in wealthier boards.
Whether or not the pledge materializes, the Chevrons’ performance has already secured them a place in recent sporting history. Their victories over cricketing giants Australia and Sri Lanka will be remembered as defining moments of the campaign.
As Zimbabwe prepares for its final fixture against South Africa, attention now turns not only to the scoreboard but also to whether Chivayo’s promised reward will receive the nod from the “principal.” For many fans, though, the team’s spirited showing has already delivered something priceless: renewed belief in Zimbabwean cricket.
Source- iHarare
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