Phil Simmons to coach Afghanistan

Former West Indies coach and player, Phil Simmons, will begin his stint as head coach of Afghanistan on January 8.

Simmons is replacing Lalchand Rajput, who only lasted three months in the role, and will join the squad in Dubai as it prepares for a limited overs series against Zimbabwe in Sharjah, starting February.

“We went with Phil because he understands our team,” said Shafiq Stanikzai, Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer.

Stanikzai was speaking of Simmons experience as a coaching consultant with the team in 2017, a fact which ultimately put him in the driver’s seat for the role.

Of course, Simmons’ stints with Ireland, Zimbabwe and the West Indies also went some way toward convincing the board that the former West Indies all-rounder was the right man for the job.

“He has coached West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland – all these are teams Afghanistan will play in the World Cup qualifiers. He is a good prospect,” said Stanikzai.