The re-introduction of Phil Simmons as coach of the West Indies team has been an invigorating development. A former Test player, Phil is well respected and liked on all sides; he is a good leader, knows the game and has come back to us with an impressive track record earned from his virtual transformation of the Ireland cricket team.
He recently made what sounds like a valid criticism against "interference from outside" which led to his suspension as coach. A criticism which has gained wide support for he has said publicly what many have long suspected to be true.
The events which followed are ironic for the Board and its current president who have lost the respect of the cricketing public.
They have in recent times failed to take action for indisciplined behaviour from Chris Gayle on more than one occasion, conducted itself in an unprincipled and dishonest manner in its handling of the Patterson Report, demonstrated their inability to give responsible leadership....by pussyfooting when firm and decisive action was required against the West Indian team for walking off the field in India. And now, this Board suspends Simmons for speaking out of turn.
The really terrible irony about the current situation is that suspending Simmons was the right thing to do. Disciplinary action was required in the circumstances.
Phil Simmons' apology speaks volumes. He now understands that as coach it was wrong to make such public criticism of the organisation he has been employed to represent. His responsibility was to fight this internally or leave. You cannot have it both ways.
Without insisting on firm discipline the coach would be free to criticise the Board publicly, the captain would feel free to criticise the coach and the players would be equally free to criticise the Captain. In other words, it would remain a matter of who can get away with what.
There must be a regime of firm discipline if the West Indies team is to have any chance of turning around its fortunes. Late in the day as it comes the new executive officer is now promising that this will follow.
Fortunately too, the Board now has a further opportunity to redeem itself if it responds maturely and accepts Phil Simmons apology. If they can be magnanimous, even at this late stage, and make him a part of the Sri Lanka team in a support or advisory capacity this would be a tremendous morale booster. We desperately need one.
Kenneth Gordon