Hours after naming the men’s squad for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Daren Sammy as the team’s new head coach for the limited overs format. CWI has also confirmed that Andre Coley, who was acting as the interim coach of the Windies side following Phil Simmons’ resignation, will be in charge of the Test and West Indies A teams.
According to CWI president Kishore Shallow, Sammy, who led West Indies to two T20 World Cup titles, only applied for the white ball job. Sammy is set to lead the West Indies team for the first time in the upcoming three-match ODI Series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah in June, which precedes the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe. Likewise, Coley’s initial task as head coach will be to guide the team in the two-match Test Series against India in the Caribbean, which takes place in July.
It is worth noting that following his retirement, Sammy has coached franchise teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In contrast, Coley has served as a coach at all levels of West Indies cricket.
On his appointment, Sammy admitted that his new role as the head coach of the will be challenging but he also expressed his readiness and excitement to take on the challenge. The former captain is confident that he can bring the same level of passion, drive for success, and love for West Indies cricket to his coaching approach as he had as a player.
“It will be a challenge but one that I’m ready for and excited about. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity, especially looking at the players we have and the impact that I believe I can have in the dressing room. I believe I will bring the same approach as I had as a player: the passion, the desire for success, and my undying love for West Indies cricket,” said Sammy after being named as head coach of West Indies in an official statement.
“When I look around there is an abundance of talent, and what I saw in South Africa in the white ball matches under new captains Shai Hope and Rovman Powell and the leadership provided by Andre Coley, there is great belief that we can do well. I’m looking forward to imparting my knowledge, my tactical acumen, my communication skills and my man-management skills. I get excited about putting the plans together and seeing the players execute them,” added Sammy.
