“I can only describe it as a schoolboy error in a moment of madness”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has admitted that his outburst about outside influence hindering the West Indies from fielding their strongest ODI squad was a “moment of madness”.

During a press conference last Saturday, Simmons claimed that he and chief selector Clive Lloyd wanted all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard to be included in the ODI squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. However, due to “interference from outside”, Simmons and Lloyd were outvoted 3-2 in a selection meeting.

As a result of his actions, Simmons was suspended on Monday and has subsequently apologised for his remarks.

“In no way did I intend to even mention the issues of selection,” Simmons wrote in a letter to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). “It was not in any way intentional and so therefore I needed to express my deepest regret to you and my fellow selectors.

“I can only describe it as a schoolboy error in a moment of madness. This was not within my character. I need to apologise as I am genuinely sorry.”