Courtney Walsh joins Zimbabwe as bowling consultant ahead of T20 World Cup
Zimbabwe have strengthened their T20 World Cup 2026 preparations by appointing West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as bowling consultant for the tournament. The first bowler ever to reach 500 Test wickets, Walsh has already begun working with the squad ahead of the global event that runs from February 7 to March 8, bringing unparalleled fast bowling expertise to a Zimbabwe side making their return to the World Cup stage.
Walsh’s impressive coaching resume
Walsh represented the West Indies from 1984 to 2001, claiming 519 wickets in 132 Tests and becoming the first cricketer to achieve the 500 Test wickets milestone. Since retiring, he has held several high-profile coaching positions, including serving as head coach of the West Indies women’s team and specialist bowling coach for the Bangladesh men’s side. He also worked as technical consultant to the Zimbabwe women’s national team in April 2024, giving him familiarity with the country’s cricketing environment.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the appointment was aimed at strengthening the team’s technical depth for the global tournament. “Courtney Walsh brings unparalleled experience and insight at the highest level of international cricket, particularly in fast bowling. As we prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it was important for us to bring in someone who understands what it takes to succeed on the global stage,” Makoni explained.
Walsh’s optimism about Zimbabwe’s potential
The Jamaican legend expressed excitement about working with Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, saying he believes the team has real potential if they execute their plans well. “I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Zimbabwe and am really looking forward to the challenges ahead. I believe we have a very good chance if we execute our plans well, work together as a team and adapt to the conditions,” Walsh said in a media release.
He added that the combination of the bowling attack has impressed him from what he has watched, and there is significant potential within the squad. Walsh will work closely with bowling coach Charl Langeveldt and the rest of Zimbabwe’s coaching staff, which includes head coach Justin Sammons, assistant coach Dion Ebrahim, and fielding coach Stuart Matsikenyeri.
Zimbabwe’s World Cup return and tough group
Zimbabwe are making their comeback to the T20 World Cup after missing the 2024 edition, having failed to qualify through the Africa Qualifier in 2023. This time around, they secured qualification via the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025 alongside Namibia.
The African side face a challenging Group B that includes 2021 champions Australia, 2014 winners Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman. Zimbabwe will open their campaign against Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on February 9, before facing Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 13.