Afghanistan appoint Simmons as head coach
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have appointed former West Indies allrounder Phil Simmons as head coach until the 2019 World Cup.
The 54-year-old Simmons, who has also had stints as head coach of the Windies and Ireland, replaces Indian Lalchand Rajput who vacated the position in August.
Simmons will be tasked with qualifying the Afghanistan team to the 2019 World Cup with the qualifiers set to take place in Zimbabwe in March.
ACB chief executive officer, Shafiq Stanikzai, said: “We went with Phil because he understand our team.
“He has coached West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland – all these are teams Afghanistan will play in the World Cup Qualifiers. He is a good prospect.”
Simmons will start work in his new position on 8 January while his first series in charge will be against Zimbabwe in February.
Afghanistan will also travel to India to play their inaugural Test in 2018, with dates yet to be finalised.
Latest
-
NewsAustralia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
NewsOn This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
NewsDan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
NewsSteve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
NewsTim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
NewsTesting times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
NewsIndia salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.
-
NewsChris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
NewsRavichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
NewsInvestigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.