Simmons suspended as Windies coach with 'immediate effect'

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has been suspended with immediate effect following his criticism against the decision of not calling all-rounders to the one-day-internationals (ODI) squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.

Confirming the news, the West Indies Cricket board (WICB) said that the head coach will not travel with the team for Sri Lanka tour.

"The West Indies Cricket Board has learnt of the comments from head coach of the West Indies team Phil Simmons in the print and electronic media which appear to question the legitimacy of the selection process of the one-day international squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. As a result, the management of the WICB has taken action to suspend the head coach, pending an investigation into the issue. The head coach will not now travel with the team on the tour of Sri Lanka." the board quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Simmons revealed that all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were not included in the squad despite Test skipper Jason Holder wanting them in the team.

Former West Indies fast bowler and a national selector Eldine Baptiste will take up the position of interim coach for the upcoming tour.

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West Indies will play two Test matches, three ODIs and two T20 internationals against Sri Lanka from October 14.