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
-
News
John Turner aiming to push T20 World Cup hopes on England’s tour of Caribbean
The 22-year-old fast bowler could make his international debut as part of a new-look ODI side in Antigua on Sunday.
-
England
ECB boss admits challenges remain for cricket after positive impact report
The ECB’s Impact of Cricket Report published on Tuesday, shows playing the sport helps people support their mental wellbeing.
-
Indian Premier League
Archer, Brook and Rashid join list of England players who will not play in IPL
Archer has been released by Mumbai Indians, while Brook and Rashid have been released by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
-
England
Joe Root joins England captain Ben Stokes in skipping next Indian Premier League
Root played three times for Rajasthan Royals in the 2023 IPL.
-
Women's Cricket
ICC transgender ban ‘a blunt instrument’ which sends ‘very negative message’
Trans players who have been through male puberty will not be able to play international women’s cricket.
-
County Cricket
PCA calls for action over ‘unsustainable’ men’s domestic cricket schedule
The majority of the Vitality Blast group-stage fixtures will take place across Thursday to Sunday slots.
-
Indian Premier League
Ben Stokes pulls out of 2024 Indian Premier League
Ben Stokes only played twice at the 2023 edition after he struggled with his fitness.
-
County Cricket
ECB releases county cricket schedule for packed 2024 summer
The ECB has looked to try to limit the impact of another packed fixture list for counties across all competitions.
-
Women's Cricket
Transgender athletes banned from playing international women’s cricket by ICC
Earlier this year, Canada’s Danielle McGahey become the first transgender cricketer to take part in an official international match.