Zimbabwe Strengthen Bowling With Courtney Walsh as Consultant for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Zimbabwe have strengthened their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by appointing former West Indies pace great Courtney Walsh as their bowling consultant. The move is aimed at bolstering the team’s support staff and enhancing their bowling resources ahead of the global tournament, which will be held from February 7 to March 8.

According to the ICC, Walsh has already begun working with the Zimbabwe squad in the build-up to the competition. The legendary fast bowler brings with him vast international experience, including extensive exposure to playing conditions in the subcontinent, where a significant portion of the tournament will be staged. Zimbabwe has been placed in Group B, alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Oman.

The appointment marks a significant step for Zimbabwe, who are returning to the T20 World Cup after missing the 2024 edition. The team failed to qualify through the Africa Qualifier in 2023 but bounced back strongly this time, sealing their spot via the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025, where they qualified alongside Namibia.

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Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the decision to bring Walsh on board was driven by the need to strengthen the side’s technical and tactical depth. He described Walsh as a figure with “unparalleled experience and insight” at the highest level of international cricket, particularly in fast bowling.

Makoni added that as Zimbabwe prepares for the challenges of a major global tournament, having a mentor who understands the demands of elite competition is crucial. He noted that Walsh’s professionalism, knowledge and ability to guide young players would be invaluable as the team sharpens its bowling attack for high-pressure matches.

Zimbabwe will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on February 9. They will then face a major test against Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 13, before completing their group fixtures against Ireland and Sri Lanka.

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