Phil Simmons steps down as West Indies head coach

The 59-year-old, whose side crashed out of the 2022 T20 World Cup in the first round, will leave his position after West Indies' two-match Test series against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on November 30

Phil Simmons has stepped down as West Indies head coach.

West Indies crashed out of the 2022 T20 World Cup in the first round after suffering surprise defeats against Scotland and Ireland.

The 59-year-old, however, says his resignation is not a "knee jerk reaction" to that disappointment but something he has been "considering for some time".

He will leave his position following West Indies' two-match Test series against Australia, which is scheduled to begin on November 30.  

^{Simmons was at the helm when West Indies won the T20 World Cup in 2016 [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

Simmons, who served as head coach when West Indies won the T20 World Cup in 2016, began his second stint at the helm in October 2019 on a four-year contract. He has previously worked with Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan.

Explaining his decision, he said: "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.

"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 were eliminated from the T20 World Cup following their round one defeat against Ireland [David Gray/Getty Images]}

"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."

CWI president, Ricky Skerritt, said: "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."