Three years after the controversial removal from the top coaching position, Phil Simmons is all set to return as head coach of the West Indies team, with his new contract that will run for a period of four years. Simmons was among three short-listed candidates which included Desmond Haynes and Floyd Reifer.

Phil Simmons was axed as West Indies coach in September 2016 after their World T20 title win for the second time. As the coach of the Afghanistan team, he took them for their maiden World Cup qualification in 2019. Simmons had also coached the Ireland team too.

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“Bringing Phil Simmons back is not just righting a past wrong, but I am confident that CWI has chosen the right man for the job at the right time. I want to also thank the very talented Floyd Reifer for the hard work he put in while he was the interim coach,” said Ricky Skerritt, the president of CWI.

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket, said: “I am happy, after a very robust recruitment process at the appointment of Phil to the role of Head Coach. I have no doubt that Phil brings the requisite leadership skills and experience needed to drive improvement across our international squads and I look forward to supporting him in the role.”

After a meeting of board of directors, Cricket West Indies also announced the selection panels for the men, women, boys and girls’ teams as well. Former West Indies cricketer Roger Harper was appointed as chief of the men’s panel, which also included Miles Bascombe. Ann Browne-John was appointed head the women’s and girls’ selection panel and Robert Haynes was named Talent ID Manager of the boys’ panel.