Phil Simmons suspended as West Indies coach

Just two days after alleging ‘outside influence’ in non-selection of star players like Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard in the ODI squad, Phil Simmons has been suspended as West Indies coach. The decision comes less than a fortnight before West Indies’ full-fledged tour of Sri Lanka, including two Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is, from October 14.

“The West Indies Cricket Board has learnt of the comments from head coach of the West Indies team Phil Simmons in the print and electronic media which appear to question the legitimacy of the selection process of the one-day international squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. As a result, the management of the WICB has taken action to suspend the head coach, pending an investigation into the issue. The head coach will not travel with the team on the tour of Sri Lanka,” WICB said in an official statement.

After a successful World Cup 2015 with Ireland, where he oversaw a victory over West Indies, Simmons had been signed up by his home country as the head coach. He had overseen West Indies’ home series against England and Australia earlier this year. West Indies are scheduled to leave the Caribbean on Tuesday for their tour of Sri Lanka.

Source: Cricbuzz