Legendary West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh has been appointed to the permanent coaching position with the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team following the team’s recent success. They have recently registered a historic win over Bangladesh in the one-off Test at home.
Amid the ongoing white-ball series against Bangladesh, the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Board approved the recommendations made by its Cricket Committee, led by Blessing Ngondo. The board confirmed the coaching and support staff for the senior men’s team, the coaching team for the Zimbabwe Under-19 men’s side, and the national selection panels.
Courtney Walsh lands permanent Zimbabwe role
One of the biggest calls was appointing the legendary West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh as the full-time bowling coach of the Zimbabwe national cricket team. Courtney Walsh was appointed the full-time bowling coach after impressing as the team’s bowling consultant.
During the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Courtney Walsh’s work with the bowlers impressed the ZC, and they have now decided to give him the role on a full-time basis. Zimbabwe had an outstanding T20 World Cup in 2026, with Courtney Walsh being the main man behind the success.
They shocked many by defeating Australia and Sri Lanka, finished at the top of their group, reached the Super Eights, and also secured qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup. Amid this, Bangladesh announce T20I squad for Zimbabwe; Towhid Hridoy to continue as captain.
Justin Sammons and his coaching staff retained by ZC Board
Zimbabwe Cricket has also decided to continue with most of the coaching staff. Head coach Justin Sammons will continue to lead the senior team. He will be joined by batting coach Dion Ebrahim, bowling coach Walsh, and fielding and lower-order batting coach Stuart Matsikenyeri.
Additionally, Curtly Diesel will remain the fitness coach, joining the team doctor Dr. Solomon Madzogo, team manager Dilip Chouhan, logistics manager Lovemore Banda, and media manager Darlington Majonga in the support staff of the national team.
Zimbabwe Cricket has also announced that the former Zimbabwe all-rounder Chamu Chibhabha, who is currently working with the Zimbabwe ‘A’ and Eagles teams, will now work alongside senior team manager Dilip Chouhan to prepare him for a bigger role in the future.
Hamilton Masakadza and Christopher Mpofu join the new selection panel
The board has also made changes to the senior men’s selection panel. David Mutendera will continue as the convener, while former Zimbabwe cricketers Hamilton Masakadza and Christopher Mpofu have joined the panel as selectors.
At the junior level, former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has been retained as the head coach of the Under-19 men’s team. Former fast bowler Donald Tiripano has been promoted as the assistant bowling coach. He will work with batting coach Remembrance Nyathi, strength and conditioning coach Clemence Rizhibhowa, physiotherapist Munashe Dengu, and team manager Frank Mawoza.
ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani hails the appointments
Zimbabwe Cricket has also announced the new Under-19 selection panel. Jestinos Gwatiringa will lead the panel, while Lesley Makirimani, Brandon Timoni, and Tony Mupariwa will work alongside him to identify and develop the next generation of cricket stars for Zimbabwe.
ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said in an official statement, “The Board is pleased to endorse these appointments following recommendations from our Cricket Committee. We believe they represent a strong blend of experience, expertise, continuity, and fresh perspectives that will help advance our strategic objectives across our national teams and player pathway structures.”
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Author: Rashmi Wasnik
