(Reuters)

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has stepped down following the team’s exit from the T20 World Cup in Australia, Cricket West Indies announced today (October 24).

Twice champions West Indies suffered a surprise elimination by Ireland with a nine-wicket thrashing in Hobart on Friday, ending bottom of Group B with two points.

“I acknowledge that it’s not just the team that is hurting but the proud nations we represent as well,” Simmons said.

“It’s disappointing and heart wrenching but we just didn’t turn up. We weren’t good enough and we now have to watch a tournament play out without our involvement. It’s unfathomable and for that I deeply apologise to our fans and followers.”

West Indies made their earliest exit from the global showpiece since the inaugural 2007 event.