G- Live Desk
Published: 2nd July 2026, 5:36 PM
Zimbabwe Cricket has officially secured the services of former Bangladesh specialist coach Courtney Walsh, naming the West Indian legend as the senior men’s team’s permanent bowling coach. The appointment follows a decisive board meeting held on 23 June, with the formal announcement delivered by the national governing body on Wednesday.
Walsh recently concluded a highly successful interim tenure as the squad’s bowling consultant during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in India and Sri Lanka. The immediate impact of his tactical interventions convinced Zimbabwe Cricket officials to convert his short-term consultancy into a long-term contract.
The veteran fast bowler’s influence was heavily visible during the global tournament, where Zimbabwe emerged as the surprise package of the group stages. Under his mentorship, the bowling unit restricted major cricketing nations, helping the side secure historic victories over both Australia and Sri Lanka. By topping their group, Zimbabwe not only progressed seamlessly into the Super Eight phase but also earned automatic qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
The legendary paceman brings an enviable coaching pedigree to the African nation. Between 2016 and the 2019 World Cup, Walsh operated as the bowling coach for Bangladesh, playing a pivotal role in shaping the careers of contemporary speedsters Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. His extensive portfolio also includes a stint as the head coach of the West Indies women’s team, alongside a technical consultant role for the Zimbabwean women’s national side earlier in 2024.
Despite the high-profile arrival of Walsh, the broader coaching framework remains stable under head coach Justin Sammons. Dion Ibrahim stays on to lead the batting department, whilst Stuart Matsikenyeri will maintain his dual responsibilities overseeing fielding drills and lower-order batting strategies.
In a strategic move to cultivate future administrative leadership from within local cricket, former national all-rounder Chamu Chibhabha has been integrated into the senior management. Chibhabha, who has been managing Zimbabwe ‘A’ and the Eagles franchise, will step up as assistant to the senior team manager, Dilip Chouhan. Additionally, former captain Elton Chigumbura retains his position at the helm of the Under-19 national programme.
The restructuring comes at a buoyant moment for the national side, who are currently hosting Bangladesh in a multi-format bilateral series. Zimbabwe initiated the series with an emphatic statement in Harare, crushing the tourists by an innings and 85 runs in the solitary Test match—marking a dream start for newly appointed captain Richard Ngarava.
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