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Courtney Walsh joins as Zimbabwe bowling consultant [Source: @cricketimpluse/X]
Zimbabwe have stepped up their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by announcing the inclusion of West Indies pace legend Courtney Walsh as a bowling consultant ahead of the mega tournament.
Courtney Walsh, who has vast experience of bowling in subcontinental conditions, has already begun working with the Zimbabwe squad for the mega event, which starts on February 7. Notably, Zimbabwe are set to return to the global tournament after missing out on the 2024 edition.
Zimbabwe welcome Courtney Walsh as bowling consultant
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni stated that Courtney Walsh’s appointment was made to add tactical depth to the team ahead of the major event.
"Courtney Walsh brings unparalleled experience and insight at the highest level of international cricket, particularly in fast bowling," he said.
"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. Courtney's knowledge, professionalism and ability to mentor players will be invaluable as we sharpen our bowling resources for the challenges ahead, " he added.
Who is Courtney Walsh?
For the uninitiated, Walsh was one of the finest fast bowlers of his era. His international career spanned from 1984 to 2001, during which he played 242 Test innings and picked up 519 wickets at an average of 24.44 and an economy rate of 2.53. He also featured in 204 ODIs, claiming 227 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 3.83.
Courtney Walsh was known for his tireless work ethic and exceptional athleticism, qualities that kept him effective for nearly two decades at the highest level. He was regarded as a workhorse in his era, and his discipline and intensity are expected to rub off on the Zimbabwe squad as well.
Notably, Walsh also captained the West Indies for a brief period starting in 1994 and achieved a career-best Test match figure of 13/55 as captain in 1995. He retired from international cricket in 2001 after becoming the first bowler in history to reach the milestone of 500 Test wickets.
Courtney Walsh and his coaching career
Following his retirement, Walsh was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010 and later took up several mentorship and coaching roles as a fast-bowling specialist.
Ahead of the 2016 World Cups, he served as a selector for the West Indies Cricket Board and also worked as the manager of the West Indies Under-19 team.
In 2016, Walsh signed a three-year contract as the specialist bowling coach of the Bangladesh national team and later served as their interim head coach for a year in February 2018.
He was appointed assistant coach of the West Indies women’s team in November 2019, although his contract was not renewed after the 2023 T20 World Cup.
His most recent assignment came with the Zimbabwe women’s team, where he briefly worked as a technical consultant from April 2024.
With Courtney Walsh’s inclusion and the added tactical insight he brings, Zimbabwe will hope his presence helps nurture their pace battery, including Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tinotenda Maposa, as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026.
