The T20 World Cup 2022 has produced some surprises already and the fans are loving it. Not of the teams that have gone home, ofcourse. But some of the neutrals or rival fans, who want to see good cricket. One of the teams that has left the tournament early after a set of horrendous performances, has been the West Indies men’s team.
The decision to leave out some of their big names cost the two-times champions. With a bag full of expectations from their fans and Pundits alike, the Windies failed to impress. They were outclassed on several occasions and Ireland ruthlessly beat them and sent them back home from the group stages prior to the Super 12.
With that being said, there was need for a change at the top. And the Board has now made the call. Phil Simmons has been asked to leave and he has parted ways with the side that he was coaching.
What Happened To This Youth Project That Phil Simmons Was Working On For The T20 World Cup 2022?
This youth project that the West Indies opted to go with for the T20 World Cup 2022, leaving out some big names from the squad, backfired on the former champs. Further, the team had failed to qualify for the competition last year, which was even worse. They were unable to gain momentum in the current edition. And the youngsters fell short in several departments.
The man who took charge of the Windies in 2015, could not leave his mark on the side. Things were quite volatile within the camp and some of the players that were picked, were just not good enough. Also, clearly, a plan was lacking at the tournament.
Questions were asked about the captaincy and the decisions made from time to time. Nothing seemed certain apart from the fact that the West Indies was now the “hunted”, unlike the much-feared “predator” that it had been for years!!
This wasn’t appreciated right at the top level and Simmons was asked to leave. The news coming from St John’s, Antigua was that Cricket West Indies (CWI), in an announcement today, stated that Simmons will be stepping down from his role as Head Coach of the West Indies Men’s.
The reason was clearly following the Windies exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 being played in Australia. His final assignment would be the two-Test match series against the Aussies from the 30th of November to the 12th of December.
What Did Phil Simmons Have To Say Post The News Being Announced Of His Departure??
His Biggest Achievement Was Winning The T20 World Cup In 2016
Simmons was on top of the world, when the Windies won their second Men’s T20 World Cup back in 2016. The win was special, as they beat England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Earlier this year, he also helped the team win a hard-fought Test series 1-0 against The Three Lions on home soil to lift the Richards-Botham Trophy.
Further, in June, the team also secured a Test series victory against Bangladesh. These were some of the positives of his time with the team, though nothing lasts forever. We wish Phil Simmons and the West Indian team, the very best for their future endeavours.
