Phil Simmons previously coached Ireland and the West Indies

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Phil Simmons has been named as Afghanistan’s new head coach and will occupy the position until the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup.

Simmons, who will start his job on January 8, will replace Lalchand Rajput, whose contract was terminated barely three months into his tenure.

Simmons was one of the candidates shortlisted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for the position and ended up getting selected due to the fact that he has coached Ireland and the West Indies in the past.

“We went with Phil because he understands our team,” ACB chief executive officer Shafiq Stanikzai said. “He has coached West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland – all these are teams Afghanistan will play in the World Cup Qualifiers. He is a good prospect.”

The 54-year-old will link up with the Afghanistan squad in Dubai, where they will prepare for their limited overs series against Zimbabwe from February 5 to 19 in Sharjah.

Following that series, which consists of two Twenty20 Internationals and five ODIs, Afghanistan will feature in the World Cup qualification tournament. Later in the year, Afghanistan will play their inaugural Test match against India.