Coach Phil Simmons
See the full press release from CWI below:
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced that Phil Simmons will step down from his role as coach of the West Indies men’s team following the team’s exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup being played in Australia . His final assignment will be the upcoming two-Test series against Australia from November 30 to December 12.
West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons
Simmons said: “I accept that it is not only the team that is hurting, but also the proud nations that we represent. It’s disappointing and sad, but we didn’t show up. We were not good enough and now we have to watch a tournament match without our involvement. It is incomprehensible and for that I deeply apologize to our fans and followers.
“From a personal perspective, this is not a knee-jerk reaction, but a move I have been considering for some time and now is the time to announce that I will be stepping down as West Indies coach at the end of the series. Test against Australia. . It is earlier than expected but I will now focus my energies in Australia on continuing to build on the excellent progress the Test team has made. Of course, as the President has pointed out, we will also carry out the necessary review in our World Cup campaign”.
He added: “I have to say that I have enjoyed some aspects of the unique challenge that being West Indies coach offers and the unwavering support of my management team. There remain some outstanding individuals within the CWI who I firmly believe will continue to work in the best interest of West Indies cricket.
See also
CWI President Ricky Skerritt thanked Simmons for his service.
Skerritt said: “On behalf of the CWI I would like to thank Phil for his hard work and dedication to West Indies cricket, most recently in his role as coach. Phil is a proud West Indian with high ideals and has never lacked motivation in guiding our young players on and off the field of play. He brought valuable experience and stability to a very important period of transformation, including the most challenging environment of the COVID-19 pandemic. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Simmons was at the helm in 2016 when West Indies won their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title, defeating England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Earlier this year he guided the team to a hard-fought 1-0 Test series victory over England on home soil to lift the Richards-Botham Trophy and in June a Test series win against Bangladesh in their exit of last.
