Following his team's embarrassing performance in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has announced his resignation. The two-time T20 global champions were ousted in the first round after losses to Scotland and Ireland; their single victory, a 31-run triumph over Zimbabwe, was their lone consolation.
West Indies failed to advance to the Super 12 stage here after placing fourth and last in Group B.
Following the team's elimination from the international competition, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced Simmons will be resigning as the national men's side's head coach.
The two-Test series against Australia from November 30 to December 12 will be the 59-year-old former all-rounder for West Indies.
"I recognise that the great nations we represent as well as the team are suffering. It's heartbreaking and upsetting, but we simply did not show up. We were not competitive enough, therefore we must now watch a competition unfold without us. It's incomprehensible, and I really apologise to our fans and supporters for that "Simmons stated on Tuesday.
"My decision to leave my position as head coach of the West Indies at the conclusion of the Test series against Australia is not a hasty one; rather, it is one I have been considering for some time. Although it has come sooner than expected, I will now concentrate all of my efforts in Australia on further the excellent development the Test squad has already made. Of course, we will also conduct the proper review into our World Cup campaign, as the (CWI) president has noted."
Simmons claimed that the team management never let him down and stood by him through good times and bad.
"I must admit that I have appreciated parts of the special challenge that serving as the head coach of the West Indies offers, as well as the steadfast backing of my Management Team. There are still some outstanding people at CWI who, in my opinion, will continue to act in the sport of cricket in the West Indies' best interests."
Simmons was recognised for his contribution by CWI President Ricky Skerritt, who said, "I'd want to thank Phil on behalf of CWI for his perseverance and commitment to West Indies cricket, most recently in his capacity as Head Coach. Phil has always been inspired to mentor our younger players both on and off the playing field since he is a proud West Indian with great standards. He contributed vital stability and experience during a crucial time of change, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic's most difficult environment. We wish him the best of luck in his upcoming endeavours."
When West Indies defeated England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata to win their second ICC Men's T20 World Cup championship in 2016, Simmons served as the captain. He oversaw the team's success earlier this year when they battled to a 1-0 Test series triumph over England at home to win the Richards-Botham Trophy, and in June as they won a Test series against Bangladesh in their final match.
Since 2015, Simmons has served in two different leadership roles for the West Indies.