Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced the appointments of the new Head Coaches for the West Indies Senior Men’s Teams. CWI decided to appoint Andre Coley as the Head Coach for the Test and ‘A’ Teams and Daren Sammy for the white ball One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) Teams.
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The new Head Coaches’ selection happened following an open and transparent interview process. The appointments were confirmed following the CWI Board of Directors meeting on Thursday 11 May. Daren Sammy’s first assignment will be the three-match ODI Series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah.
Daren Sammy’s career:
Sammy is a former West Indies captain in all three formats. He led the West Indies to the ICC T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016. He has played 126 ODI matches for West Indies. During that period, he has taken 81 wickets and scored 1871 runs. In 68 T20I matches, he has scored 587 runs and taken 44 wickets. His Test Cricket numbers are also amazing as he has taken 84 wickets in just 38 matches. Since retirement, he has coached franchise teams in the Pakistan Super League and the Caribbean Premier League.
The 39-year-old Sammy said,
“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. When I look around there is an abundance of talent. 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.”
CWI’s statement:
In March, CWI announced that the role of Head Coach for the West Indies Senior Men’s Teams will be split into two separate positions. A decision was made with reference to the recommendation by the independent three-member World Cup Review Group. The motive was to consider splitting coaching duties as one factor to help improve team preparation.
Johnny Grave, CEO of CWI said,
“We are delighted to announce the appointments of Andre and Daren to the positions of red-ball and white-ball Head Coaches of the Senior Men’s Teams. They are well-equipped for their roles. We are confident they will bring different perspectives, skills, and a real passion to the West Indies dressing room. The introduction of separate coaches signals the start of a new approach for the West Indies Men’s Teams. We know it will enable greater focus on player communication, team planning, and preparation to the benefit of our players and West Indies cricket.”
The recruitment process for a Head Coach of the West Indies Women’s team has also commenced. The deadline for the applications is Wednesday 17 May.
