Cricket Ireland have confirmed that Phil Simmons will leave the team to become the head coach of the West Indies once the World Cup comes to an end.
The 51-year-old, who was born in Trinidad, has spent eight years at the helm of Irish cricket, guiding them to 11 trophies and qualification for every ICC world event.
"I've had eight wonderful years as Ireland's head coach, and will always cherish the memories of those great days we've shared," Simmons told Cricket Ireland's official website. "The players and staff at Cricket Ireland have been simply magnificent.
"I'll always be eternally grateful for the opportunity given to me by Cricket Ireland and in particular CEO Warren Deutrom, and it's been a great partnership over the past eight years. I've made some wonderful friends in that time, which has been among the happiest periods in my life.
"It was a very difficult decision to leave, but I couldn't turn down the opportunity to coach my home team. They're going through a difficult period at the moment, but I'm confident I can help to improve their fortunes."
Ireland won 116 games and lost 89 during Simmons's term from April 2007, which has made him the longest-serving current coach in international cricket.
Danielle Joynson
