Phil Simmons will step down as West Indies men’s coach after being knocked out of the T20 World Cup in Australia.
The two-time champions failed to reach the Super 12 stage after group stage defeats by Scotland and Ireland.
Simmons will be in charge of the two-Test series against Australia from November 30 to December 12.
“I recognize that it is not only the team that is hurting but also the proud nations that we represent,” Simmons said.
“It’s disappointing and heartbreaking but we’re just not there. We weren’t good enough and now we have to watch the tournament play without us.
“It’s unbelievable and for that I apologize from the bottom of my heart to my fans and followers.”
Trinidadian Simmons, 59, added that – although it came “earlier than expected” – he had been considering the decision “for some time”.
He led the West Indies to their second T20 World Cup victory in 2016, defeating England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
But last week’s nine-wicket defeat by Ireland saw them fail to reach the main stage of a T20 World Cup for the first time – and Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skirt said a “full post-mortem” would be carried out.
Skart thanked Simmons for his “hard work and dedication to West Indies cricket”, adding: “Phil is a proud West Indian, with high ideals and our young people on and off the field. There is never a shortage of motivation in guiding the players.”
He added: “He brings valuable experience and stability to a very important period of change, including the most challenging environment of the Covid-19 pandemic. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.” “
