For the T20 World Cup, Phil Simmons has joined Papua New Guinea as a “Specialist coach.”

After the Windies were eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage, Phil Simmons’ second tenure with the team ended in 2022. Simmons had led the Windies to victory in the World Cup in 2016. Since then, he has coached the Trinbago Knight Riders, LA Knight Riders, and Karachi Kings, among other franchises, in cricket. Simmons will assist head coach Tatenda Taibu as part of his responsibilities as Papua New Guinea’s specialist coach. According to a PNG press release, the 61-year-old’s long tenure in the industry is the reason behind his appointment to the position.

The various participating teams are putting their best foot forward as they quicken their preparations for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024, which is quickly approaching. Phil Simmons, a former cricket player for the West Indies, has announced that he will be joining Papua New Guinea as a specialized coach for the T20 World Cup.

“It is my responsibility as a consultant coach to share my experience of playing in the Caribbean and not just in World Cups. According to Phil Simmons, “it will also focus on the things we should be taking into account to ensure that our practices are appropriate in the Caribbean, particularly with regard to the venues where we play.”

It’s been a long time in the game—I played internationally for fourteen years, then for eighteen as an international coach. Returning home, or returning to any region of the West Indies, is usually a wonderful experience. It’s obvious how lovely this place is. Trinidad is my home, and I’m excited to get there,” he continued.

The 2024 T20 World Cup lineup for Papua New Guinea is as follows:

It’s important to note that Papua New Guinea has been put into Group C of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Afghanistan, New Zealand, Uganda, and the West Indies are just a few of the nations the minnows will face.

Notably, in the opening match of the competition, the team will play the hosts, the West Indies, to start their T20 World Cup campaign. The match will take place on Sunday, June 2, at Providence Stadium in Georgetown.