NEWS
Follow UsTwo-time T20 World Cup winner Daren Sammy has been named West Indies' head coach for the two white-ball formats, the West Indies Cricket Board announced on Friday (May 12). Meanwhile, former wicketkeeper-batter Andre Coley has been appointed as coach for the Test and the 'A' teams.
The latter’s first assignment will be the home Test series against India in July, while Sammy will start his stint with the three-match ODI series against the United Arab Emirates in June, which will be played just before the ICC Men's World Cup 2023 Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
"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,” said Sammy.
"When I look around there is an abundance of talent, and 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."
Sammy has coached Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League and St. Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League, while Coley has coached at all levels in West Indies and also worked as the interim coach of the side on the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa.
"I am honoured to be appointed West Indies Men's Head Coach of the red-ball team after serving in the interim role on the Zimbabwe and South Africa tours. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, as well as the opportunities as we sharpen our focus on moving up the Test rankings, and qualifying for the World Test Championship final in June 2025. I also look forward to working with all our stakeholders, deepening relationships and fostering a high-performance mindset,” said Coley.
"I am also excited to be working closely with the 'A Team' as we seek to optimise opportunities for teams to play competitive cricket outside of our first-class competition and giving players greater exposure to different conditions at the international level. I believe that my expertise in the use of analytics, my leadership style and technical knowledge along with collaborative efforts alongside Daren, will make a positive contribution to player development and team performances.”
