Phil Simmons to step down as West Indies’ head coach after the Test series against Australia

Huge Disappointment after West Indies crash out of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers

The only team to win the T20 World Cup twice, West Indies, was forced to compete in the tournament’s opening round this time. They were drawn with Scotland, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, although they were still considered favorites to go to the Super 12.

However, they lost shockingly to Scotland in their opening match before coming back to win against Zimbabwe. They were humiliated by Ireland in the do-or-die match, however, as a result, they were eliminated from the competition in the qualifying rounds.

Two Terms as a Head Coach 

Since 2015, Simmons has served as the West Indies head coach twice. In 2016, in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, he guided the Caribbean team to its second T20 World Cup victory. West Indies coach Phil Simmons, who is currently serving his second term in that position, regrets missing the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

Phil Simmons’s Resignation As West Indies head coach

After his side lost in the opening round of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. An outcome Phil Simmons referred to as “unfathomable,” Simmons chose to resign as West Indies coach on Monday night.

The West Indies side were eliminated early from the T20 World Cup. With just one victory and two losses, the group, which consisted of four teams, came in last. The winner and second-place teams advanced to the Super 12 round of the competition and West Indies failed to achieve this.

Simmons Statement

Simmons said in a statement “I acknowledge that it’s not just the team that is hurting but the proud nations we represent as well. 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 apologize to our fans and followers.”

He further went on to say that “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 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.”

West Indies Cricket Board President Statement

“On behalf of CWI, I want to congratulate Phil for his hard work and dedication to West Indies cricket. Most notably in his role as head coach,” stated CWI president Ricky Skerritt. Phil has always been inspired to mentor our younger players both on and off the playing field since he is a proud West Indian with great standards.

“He brought valuable experience and stability at 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 endeavors.”

Final Assignment

The Test series against Australia from November 30 to December 12 will be Simmons’ final task.