West Indies coach Phil Simmons asked to explain controversial statements

Simmons statements about the exclusion of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard led to his suspension

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has asked Phil Simmons, who was suspended from his post as head coach of the national team, to explain his comments about the selection of the squad being influenced by interference from outside, reports IBNLive. The board confirmed that Simmons has not been fired but has only been suspended.

The former West Indies player, who coached Ireland at the 2015 ICC World Cup, had expressed his disappointment at not getting his desired team in place for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, especially naming Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard as players who should have definitely made the squad. Two days later, Simmons was suspended with immediate effect and Eldine Baptiste appointed the interim coach.

WICB chief executive Michael Muirhead said that Simmons has been asked to answer to the board on "breaches of confidentiality and bringing West Indies Cricket Board into disrepute," reports CMC. Muirhead also added that Simmons has not been relieved of his duties yet and that the fate of the 52-year-old will be decided this week after a meeting with the WICB human resources panel.

Calling the situation unfortunate, Muirhead said that Simmons had just been called into explain his comments.

"What has happened with Phil Simmons is most unfortunate. Rest assured, he has not been fired. Let us say he's been called to answer breaches of confidentiality and bringing West Indies Cricket Board into disrepute,” Muirhead said.

The WICB chief went on to add that Simmons would be given a fair hearing and would also be given full remuneration for the period he has been suspended for.

"He will be given a fair hearing by a panel and a decision will be made within the boundaries of our own internal human resources policy. During the process, he will continue to enjoy the benefits of his full remuneration. The matter will be dealt with in an expeditious manner and it is our intention to have a decision within the next seven working days," he said.

The latest controversy has added to the long list of off-field episodes that has marred West Indies cricket in recent times. Pay disputes have been an ever present issue with the tipping point being the tour to India being called off midway last year.

Muirhead acknowledged that the controversies are not helping the board’s image by any means.

"Let me first apologise to the public for what seems to be another controversy within the West Indies Cricket Board," Muirhead said during the press conference. "We are trying to manage the business of West Indies cricket in a particular and professional manner and whenever there is a change taking place, things are bound to be controversial at times. Integrity and professionalism are high on our agenda and we will not compromise on that," Muirhead said.