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KINGSTON. — West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has been fired, the West Indies Cricket Board confirmed on Tuesday, drawing a line under a stormy tenure marked by tensions with his paymasters.

A brief statement from the WICB said a decision to dispense with Simmons was taken after a meeting of the body’s board of directors on Saturday.

The 53-year-old former Test opener was informed of the decision as the West Indies prepared to travel to the United Arab Emirates, where they are to face Pakistan in a T20 series.

“Effectively immediately, the WICB today announced it has separated from the Head Coach Phil Simmons,” the WICB said in a statement.

It said the decision had been taken because of “differences in culture and strategic approach” between the board and Simmons.

“The WICB would therefore like to thank the coach for his contribution and wishes him the best in his future endeavours,” the statement added.

Simmons departure leaves Joel Garner as manager of the upcoming series against Pakistan, with Henderson Springer and Roddy Estwick coaches. — AFP.