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Phil Simmons has stepped down as the West Indies coach after his team crashed out in the first round of the T20 World Cup in Australia. While the Men from the Caribbean entered into the tournament as the most successful team in the tournament, having lifted the trophy twice, they were eliminated after losing to Scotland and Ireland, managing to register only against Zimbabwe.
The outgoing head coach described West Indies' elimination as "disappointing" and "heart-wrenching", also apologising to the fans and followers.
"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 apologise to our fans and followers," Simmons said in a statement released by Cricket West Indies (CWI).
"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," he added.
"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," he further said.
Meanwhile, CWI President Ricky Skerritt expressed his gratitude to Simmons for his term as the coach of the national team.
"On behalf of CWI I want to thank Phil for his hard work and dedication to West Indies cricket, most recently in his role as Head Coach. 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 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," Skerritt stated.
The 59-year-old's last assignment will be the two Tests in Australia scheduled to begin in late November.
