Phil Simmons Returns as West Indies Head Coach Three Years After Being Axed

Phil Simmons has returned as head coach of the West Indies team after three years of his controversial removal from the top coaching position. His new contract will run for a period of four years. Simmons was among three short-listed candidates, including Desmond Haynes and Floyd Reifer.

Simmons was axed as West Indies coach in September 2016 after six months of their World T20 title for the second time. As coach of the Afghanistan team, he took them for their maiden World Cup qualification in 2019. Even, Simmons had also coached the Ireland team too.

“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,” Ricky Skerritt, the CWI president said.

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket, who was also part of the interview panel for screening the candidates, also 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.”

Cricket West Indies also announced the selection panels for the men, women, boys and girls’ teams following a meeting of board of directors on Monday (October 14). Roger Harper, former West Indies cricketer was also named as chief of the men’s panel, which also includes Miles Bascombe. Ann Browne-John was named the head of the women’s and girls’ selection panel whereas Robert Haynes was appointed Talent ID Manager of the boys’ panel.