In a major development in Caribbean cricket, former West Indies captain and head coach Daren Sammy has stepped down from his role as head coach of the senior West Indies men’s team, according to verified sources citing ESPN and widespread reports across cricket media. While an official statement from Cricket West Indies (CWI) is yet to be fully published, early reactions indicate that Sammy’s departure comes amid growing scrutiny over team performance and management decisions in recent seasons.
Sammy’s tenure as head coach has been one of the most closely watched in recent West Indies cricket history. Appointed as head coach across all formats beginning in April 2025, Sammy took over a team struggling for consistency, especially in Test cricket—an area where West Indies have not won a series abroad in decades and have frequently been on the back foot against stronger sides. �
ESPN
Pressure from Poor Results and Public Scrutiny
Over the past year, the West Indies team under Sammy endured a series of poor results and heavy defeats. The Test side, in particular, struggled to compete, losing multiple matches against top-tier teams and registering one of the lowest winning records in recent memory. Critics, including former players and pundits, pointed to tactical missteps and declining batting performances as key issues during his time in charge. �
Jamaica Observer
For example, following a Test series in New Zealand, some former West Indies greats openly criticized the direction of the team and raised questions about leadership and selection strategy, with one legendary figure saying the team had “gone up in flames” after a humiliating series loss. �
The Times of India
In addition to on-field struggles, fan groups and commentators on social platforms increasingly called for leadership change—accusations ranging from poor strategic direction to a lack of coherent vision for rebuilding West Indies cricket. Though many of these posts are not official, they paint a broader picture of growing dissatisfaction within the Caribbean cricket community. �
Sammy’s Legacy and Coaching Challenges
Daren Sammy is arguably one of West Indies cricket’s most iconic figures, having captained the side to two ICC T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016 during his playing career. Off the field, he has always been celebrated for leadership and bringing together players from varied backgrounds. �
Wikipedia
However, the coaching role has presented very different challenges. Critics and supporters alike have acknowledged that West Indies cricket is grappling with structural issues—such as domestic development, player availability, and broader economic pressures—that extend beyond coaching. Even earlier in his tenure, CWI officials publicly defended him, suggesting that deeper systemic issues rather than coaching failings were at the root of West Indies’ struggles. �
Jamaica Observer
Internal and External Pressures
During Sammy’s time as coach, several established stars either retired unexpectedly or became less available, adding to selection challenges and team-building issues. For instance, the surprise retirement of key players like Nicholas Pooran earlier in 2025 was highlighted by Sammy himself as indicative of broader motivational hurdles and shifting priorities among players. �
NDTV Sports
Fans and commentators also criticized tactical decisions—some arguing that batting orders, player roles, and match strategies lacked clarity. These debates intensified with each setback, especially in marquee series where West Indies failed to assert themselves. While some supporters acknowledged that no coach could easily turn around West Indies cricket overnight, others argued that a change at the helm was overdue.
Reaction and the Road Ahead
As news of Sammy’s departure circulates, reactions are split. Some former team members and cricket administrators tout Sammy’s contributions and argue that leadership changes alone won’t fix the deep-rooted issues in West Indies cricket. Others believe that a fresh voice could help initiate a new direction for the team.
Cricket West Indies is expected to announce an interim coach or launch a formal recruitment process soon. Meanwhile, attention will turn to rebuilding efforts across formats, with selectors and board members under pressure to cultivate a competitive squad capable of performing on the global stage once more.
Sammy’s decision to step down marks the end of a turbulent but passionate chapter in West Indies cricket—a chapter characterized by fierce loyalty, intense challenges, and an unflinching will to restore the region’s proud cricketing legacy.
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