PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Former West Indies head coach Phil Simmons would consider returning to the position, once his current contract with Afghanistan comes to an end following this year’s World Cup in England and Wales.
Simmons, who celebrates his 56th birthday on April 18, was fired from the position three years ago, but came to an amicable settlement with Cricket West Indies, following the election two Sundays ago of Ricky Skerritt to the post of president and Dr. Kishore Shallow to the position of vice president, after a long-running, legal challenge to his dismissal.
“At the moment, I am contracted to Afghanistan and there can be no talk about West Indies cricket,” he said in a radio interview with I95 FM in his native Trinidad.
“I’m focused on Afghanistan and how we get ready for the Cricket World Cup starting in May. But after the Finals on July 15, my contract is up with Afghanistan, but nobody knows the future . ..
My whole aim now is to win the World Cup, so after July 15, let us see what happens.”
Simmons added: “Everyone who knows me understands how much I love this region and how hard it has been for me over the last three years dealing with that matter. I am just glad it is over, and my name has been cleared.
“Most importantly, the apology from the new president Ricky Skerritt goes a long way in clearing up a lot of the talk under the previous administration. I believe that this shows that this new team is about the interest of cricket and not about themselves.”
Simmons, a former West Indies opener and part-time fast-medium bowler, claimed he had experienced many ills during his period as West Indies coach, although he enjoyed success with the team, winning the 2016 ICC World T20 in India.
He said he was surprised to hear that Dave Cameron had lost the presidency of CWI to Skerritt, but he was looking forward to a different approach from the new administration.
“I was very happy for all of those that love West Indies cricket,” he said. “How many persons know who is in charge of the England Cricket Board? And how many cricket board presidents are on television or busy tweeting? West Indies cricket can look forward to Ricky and Dr. Shallow and that is the positive going forward.”
Skerritt and Shallow unseated Cameron and Emmanuel Nanthan 8-4 for the top posts in West Indies cricket.
