March 25, 2026
LAHORE: West Indies pace icon Courtney Walsh has arrived in Pakistan and linked up with the Rawalpindiz squad ahead of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, scheduled from 26 March to 3 May. This development is one of the key PSL 11 updates, adding further excitement to the tournament buildup.
The former fast-bowling great, who featured in 132 Tests and claimed 519 wickets, has taken on the role of bowling coach for the franchise. He will work alongside Justin Kemp, who serves as the team’s head coach, forming a strong coaching partnership for Courtney Walsh PSL 2026 campaign.
The franchise welcomed Walsh with a social media post, stating: “The man, the myth, the legend. Courtney Walsh has arrived and joined The Pindiz.”
At 63, Walsh brings a wealth of coaching and international experience to the setup. He has previously served as the bowling coach of Bangladesh’s national side and also led the West Indies women’s team as head coach. His presence is expected to significantly boost Rawalpindiz’s bowling department in their debut PSL campaign.
The upcoming PSL season marks a major shift in the tournament’s structure, with eight teams competing for the first time. Newly introduced franchises Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz add fresh competition, while the event will feature 44 matches over a span of 39 days.
However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has revised its operational plans. Matches will now be held only in Karachi and Lahore, and will take place without spectators.
Initially, venues such as Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad were also being considered.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the updated arrangements, noting that the decisions were made after discussions with franchise owners and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the board’s Patron-in-Chief.
According to the updated plan, Lahore will host Eliminators 1 and 2 along with the final, while Karachi will stage the Qualifier. The opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars remains unchanged.
With games being played behind closed doors, organisers have assured fans of upgraded broadcast coverage and enhanced production quality to maintain engagement for viewers in Pakistan and around the world.
The Rawalpindiz lineup features a strong mix of international and local talent, including Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Cole McConchie, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrester, Laurie Evans, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan and Saad Masood.