“I acknowledge that it’s not just the team that is hurting but the proud nations we represent as well,” Simmons stated in an announcement launched by CWI on Monday evening. “It’s disappointing and heart-wrenching but we just didn’t turn up.
“We weren’t ok and we now have to observe a match play-out with out our involvement. It’s unfathomable and for that I deeply apologise to our followers and followers.”
Simmons’ second spell in the job started in October 2019, after an initial 18-month tenure in which he helped steer West Indies to the 2016 T20 World Cup, uniting a squad of big personalities and encouraging a pioneering batting approach focused on six-hitting.
Simmons will remain in charge for the upcoming two-Test series against Australia, which starts on November 30 at Optus Stadium in Perth. He said that he would also participate in CWI’s postmortem into the World Cup exit.
Simmons added that he had been considering his position before the tournament. “From a private perspective this isn’t a knee-jerk response, however a transfer I’ve been contemplating for a while, he stated. “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 sooner than hoped for, however I’ll now focus my energies in Australia on persevering with to construct on the wonderful progress the Test group has made. Of course, as the president has identified, we can even perform the required overview into our World Cup marketing campaign.
“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.”
Ricky Skerritt, the president of CWI, stated: “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 introduced invaluable expertise and stability at a vital interval of transformation, together with probably the most difficult atmosphere of the Covid-19 pandemic. We want him all the very best in his future endeavors.”