Daren Sammy Appointed West Indies Cricket Head Coach Across All Formats

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (AP) — In a significant development for West Indies cricket, Daren Sammy has been named the head coach for all three formats—Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20)—beginning his tenure with the Test team in 2025. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the strategic direction of West Indies cricket, as the former all-rounder steps up to a comprehensive leadership role.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced Sammy's appointment on Tuesday, underscoring the board's confidence in his leadership capabilities. Sammy's initial assignment with the Test team will be the home series against Australia, scheduled for June 2025, a series expected to draw significant attention from cricket enthusiasts around the world.

Andre Coley, the current red-ball head coach since 2023, will retain his position for the upcoming tour of Pakistan in January. Post this series, Coley is set to transition into a role focused on high-performance coaching within CWI, ensuring that his expertise continues to benefit the team and its players.

Under Sammy's guidance, the West Indies T20 team made a noteworthy ascent in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, climbing from ninth to fifth. His stint with the ODI team was equally impressive, breaking an 11-match losing streak with a commanding 3-0 series victory over Bangladesh. This achievement followed a successful series win against England, highlighting Sammy's impact on the team's performance.

The Saint Lucian-born cricket icon, who boasts an illustrious playing career with 38 Test matches and 126 ODIs for the West Indies, turns 41 this Friday. His experience and strategic acumen have been pivotal in his coaching successes.

Cricket West Indies President Kishore Shallow expressed confidence in Sammy's expanded role, stating, "Daren Sammy has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his tenure with the white-ball teams. His vision, dedication, and ability to inspire players make him the ideal candidate to lead across all formats."

Sammy's appointment is seen as a strategic move to unify the coaching approach across formats, leveraging his experience and leadership to foster a cohesive team culture. As West Indies cricket looks to rejuvenate its standing on the global stage, Sammy's comprehensive involvement is anticipated to be a catalyst for future successes.