“As a player internationally, for fourteen years and then as an international coach for eighteen years, it’s been a long time in the game,” Simmons stated.
The massive cricket match, the T20 World Cup 2024, is quickly coming, and the participating teams are gearing up to make the most of their preparations. For the T20 World Cup, Papua New Guinea has announced that Phil Simmons, a former cricket player for the West Indies, will be joining the team as a specialized coach.
After leading the Windies to victory in the World Cup in 2016, Simmons left the team in 2022 following their elimination from the competition in the group stage. Since then, he has coached the Karachi Kings, LA Knight Riders, and Trinbago Knight Riders among other franchises in cricket. Simmons will assist Tatenda Taibu, the head coach of Papua New Guinea, as part of his responsibilities as a specialist coach. The 61-year-old was appointed to the position because of his vast experience in the industry, according to a PNG statement.
“My position here is as a consultant coach, and [will be about] how I apply my experience—not just from competing in World Cups, but also from playing in the Caribbean—and the things we should be considering to ensure that we execute it properly there, particularly at the venues where we play,” Simmons was cited by ESPNcricinfo.
It’s been a long time in the game, having played internationally for fourteen years and then coaching internationally for eighteen. Coming home is always a wonderful feeling, whether it’s to any portion of the West Indies. You are aware of this place’s beauty. I can’t wait to return to Trinidad, which is my home,” he continued.
Papua New Guinea is scheduled to play in T20 World Cup 2024 Group C.
It is noteworthy that the 2024 T20 World Cup has drawn Papua New Guinea for Group C. The West Indies, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Uganda, and more nations will be up against the minnows.
Notably, the team’s T20 World Cup campaign will get off with a match against the tournament hosts, the West Indies. On Sunday, June 2, both teams will play at the Providence Stadium in Georgetown.
