Chivayo pledges $1 million to Zimbabwe cricket team

Wicknell Chivayo, Zimbabwe's most high-profile private benefactor, announced on Thursday that he would award the national cricket team, the Chevrons, US$1 million in cash for reaching the Super Eights at the ongoing T20 World Cup, even as the team suffered a heavy defeat to India, ending their semi-final hopes.

Chivayo's pledge came with a caveat: the payout is "subject to approval by the principal," a reference to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose blessing Chivayo has historically cited before disbursing his headline-grabbing gifts. "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 in cash on their return," Chivayo wrote on X.

Zimbabwe's performance to reach the Super Eights was widely celebrated. The Chevrons beat Australia, drew with Ireland, and stunned co-hosts Sri Lanka to advance from the group stage, achievements few had anticipated. Chivayo emphasized that qualifying among the world's top eight teams warranted recognition, regardless of subsequent results.

"Their heroics against very strong teams like Australia and Sri Lanka as well as qualifying into the Top 8s cannot just go unnoticed," he said.

However, defeats to West Indies and India on Thursday eliminated Zimbabwe from semi-final contention, leaving only a final dead-rubber match against South Africa.

Chivayo, who has amassed a fortune largely through government contracts, has in recent years distributed tens of millions of dollars to army generals, religious leaders, sports clubs, and celebrities. Observers note that recipients often share public profiles or connections to Zimbabwe's political establishment, sparking debate over the motives behind his philanthropy.