West
Indies: Phil Simmons to step down as men's head coach
Phil Simmons will step
down as West Indies men's coach following their exit from the T20 World Cup in
Australia.
The two-time champions failed to reach the
Super 12 stage following group stage defeats by Scotland and Ireland.
Simmons will remain in charge for the two-Test
series against Australia from 30 November to 12 December.
"I acknowledge that it's not just the
team that is hurting but the proud nations we represent as well," said
Simmons.
"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."
Trinidadian Simmons, 59, added that - although
it had come "earlier than hoped for" - he had been considering the
decision "for some time".
He led the West Indies to the second of their
T20 World Cup triumphs in 2016, defeating England at the Eden Gardens in
Kolkata.
But a
nine-wicket defeat by Ireland last week saw them fail to
reach the main phase of a T20 World Cup for the first time - and Cricket West
Indies president Ricky Skerritt said a "thorough post-mortem" would
be carried out.
Skerritt thanked Simmons "for his hard
work and dedication to West Indies cricket", adding: "Phil is a proud
West Indian, with high ideals and has never lacked motivation in guiding our
younger players on and off the field of play."
He added: "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 endeavours."
