October 25, 2022

Phil Simmons steps down as West Indies coach

By Shirvan Williams

Phil Simmons has resigned as West Indies coach after the poor performance of the WINDIES that saw them booted out in the first round of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Added to that, West Indies were eliminated after finishing bottom of their group in Hobart. The team only managed to win one game when they beat Zimbabwe in their second game. They lost to Scotland and Ireland.

“I acknowledge that it’s not just the team that is hurting but the proud nations we represent as well,” Simmons said in a statement released by CWI on Monday night.

“It’s disappointing and heart-wrenching but we just didn’t turn up. We weren’t good enough and we now have to watch a tournament play-out without our involvement. It’s unfathomable and for that I deeply apologise to our fans and followers,” he continued.

The rest of the statement reads:

“From a personal perspective this is not a knee-jerk reaction, but a move I have been considering for some time. Now is the time to make public that I will step down as West Indies head coach at the end of the Test series against Australia.

It is earlier than hoped for, 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 into our World Cup campaign.

“I must say I have enjoyed aspects of the unique challenge that being West Indies head coach provides and the unwavering support of my management team. There remain some exceptional individuals within CWI who I firmly believe will continue to work in the best interests of West Indies cricket.”

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