The former all-rounder of West Indies Phil Simmons, who was the coach of the team, was controversially removed from his position for three years. But, now he is back as a coach with a new contract which is valid for four years. He was competing with two other shortlisted candidates, Desmond Haynes and Floyd Reifer.
In September 2016, Simmons served as a coach of the West Indies. Six months after his team won the World T20 title for the second time, the board cited “differences in cultural and strategic approach” to terminate his contract. He was the batting coach for Afghanistan national cricket team and later on was appointed as their head coach in 2017. Earlier, the Ireland team was also coached by Simmons.
“Bringing Phil Simmons back is not just righting a past wrong, but I am confident that CWI has chosen the right man for the job at the right time. I want to also thank the very talented Floyd Reifer for the hard work he put in while he was the interim coach,” the CWI president Ricky Skerrit said.
“I am happy, after a very robust recruitment process at the appointment of Phil to the role of Head Coach. I have no doubt that Phil brings the requisite leadership skills and experience needed to drive improvement across our international squads and I look forward to supporting him in the role.” CWI’s Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, who was also part of the interview panel for screening the candidates, said.
On Monday (October 14), as per meeting of the board of directors, the cricket West Indies announced the selection panels for the men, women, boys and girls’ teams. The chief of the men’s panel was former cricketer, Roger Harper, besides Miles Boscombe. Ann Browne- John was named the head of the women’s and girl’s selection while Robert Haynes selected as Talent ID Manager of the boy’s panel.
