Former West Indies all-rounder and esteemed international coach Phil Simmons has joined the Papua New Guinea coaching staff for next month's ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Simmons will serve as a specialist coach, bringing valuable expertise to the Oceania team. He will support head coach Tatenda Taibu, a former Zimbabwe international, by offering his extensive knowledge of Caribbean conditions for the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup.
Phil Simmons, who played over 160 matches for the West Indies, is perhaps even more renowned for his accomplishments as an international coach. Notably, he led the West Indies to their second T20 World Cup title in India in 2016.
Simmons served as the head coach of Zimbabwe's men's team in 2004 and 2005 and has since held coaching positions with Ireland and Afghanistan. He was also the head coach of the West Indies during their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign in Australia in 2022.
Phil Simmons aims to leverage his extensive knowledge of Caribbean conditions to benefit Papua New Guinea's players during their second appearance at the T20 World Cup.
“My role here is as a consultant coach. I will share my experience not just from playing in World Cups but also from playing in the Caribbean. We'll focus on what we need to do to succeed at the specific venues we'll be playing at," Simmons said.
“With fourteen years as an international player and eighteen years as an international coach, I've spent a long time in the game. It’s always brilliant to come home to the West Indies; you know how beautiful it is here.
"I'm especially looking forward to returning to my home in Trinidad. Welcoming people here and being back myself is always something to look forward to.”
Phil Simmons has already joined the PNG squad on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, and the 61-year-old is impressed with what he has observed.
“Their energy is unbelievable!" Simmons exclaimed. "Their warm-ups alone yesterday tired me out. The guys seem to have settled in really well.
"During yesterday's training, we got them into the middle of their game, focusing on what they need to do here in the Caribbean. It's great to see the energy among this squad.
"I've known the head coach, Tatenda Taibu, for a long time, and he's always been full of energy. However, the players seem to be pushing his energy levels even higher, which creates a great atmosphere. I really like the liveliness in this team.”
Papua New Guinea will face off against Phil Simmons' former team, the West Indies, in their first match of the T20 World Cup in Guyana on June 2.
**Papua New Guinea Squad:**
- Assadollah Vala (c)
- Alei Nao
- Chad Soper
- CJ Amini
- Hila Vare
- Hiri Hiri
- Jack Gardner
- John Kariko
- Kabua Vagi Morea
- Kipling Doriga
- Lega Siaka
- Norman Vanua
- Sema Kamea
- Sese Bau
- Tony Ura
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