Former West Indies coach sues CWI

Former West Indies coach sues CWI
Associated Press / Arnulfo Franco, File

Former West Indies cricket coach Phil Simmons is seeking close to US$300,000 from Cricket West Indies (CWI) for wrongful dismissal as West Indies coach. Simmons, the current Afghanistan coach, has claimed damages for more than US$300,000 with a final sum to be agreed at a court date in Antigua on March 26, 2019.

With legal costs included, the civil suit could cost CWI US$400,000 or more.

The Trinidadian was fired in September 2016, having complained publicly about “interference from outside” in the selection of the team.

The matter came up as CWI President, Dave Cameron was standing for re-election for the position last Sunday.

Simmons is being represented by Antigua-based Queen’s Counsel, Ann Henry and Barbadian lawyers Leslie F Haynes, QC, and former cricket commentator, Donna Symmonds in the case in the Industrial court.

Another West Indies coach Ottis Gibson who was discarded before the end of his contract, previously settled his case against CWI for a sum said to be around US$300,000.