West Indies coach Phil Simmons was told Wednesday he was in no danger of losing his job after the Barbados Cricket Association president said the former Test batsman should be sacked for attending his father-in-law's funeral.

Simmons is currently in self-isolation at the team's on-site hotel at Old Trafford ahead of next week's first Test against England at Southampton after being granted a request for compassionate leave before the squad left for Britain.

Simmons temporarily left the West Indies' protective bubble to attend the funeral, which took place in Britain.

Simmons has twice tested negative for the coronavirus and will rejoin the squad if he's given the all-clear following another test carried out on Wednesday.

But ahead of a Test series taking place against the backdrop of COVID-19, ESPNCricinfo revealed that BCA chief Conde Riley had written to Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt lamenting an "inconsiderate and reckless" process as he called for Simmons' dismissal.

But Skerritt told a conference call: "I want to assure West Indies cricket fans that Phil Simmons still has the full backing of Cricket West Indies no matter what has been said.

"When all is said and done, Phil's job is not in any way threatened by that letter.&nbsp;

"He went through a very vigorous recruitment process nine months ago and was the best man we could have found for the job. He's still the best man."

Meanwhile Simmons, in his second stint as Windies coach, said: "This has not been an easy time for my family. My wife was very close to her father and his passing has hurt us. There was no question of me not going to the funeral.

"My wife, my daughters and my son needed that support. Family is a huge thing for me.

"It won't disrupt us, it will just make us a little stronger going into the Test series. Our focus is still on the series."

West Indies captain Jason Holder had no qualms over Simmons' brief absence.

"Phil has done what was asked of him and I don't have any issue with it," he said.

West Indies coach Phil Simmons was told Wednesday he was in no danger of losing his job after the Barbados Cricket Association president said the former Test batsman should be sacked for attending his father-in-law's funeral.

West Indies coach Phil Simmons was told Wednesday he was in no danger of losing his job after the Barbados Cricket Association president said the former Test batsman should be sacked for attending his father-in-law's funeral. Simmons is currently in self-isolation at the team's on-site hotel at Old Trafford ahead of next week's first Test against England at Southampton after being granted a request for compassionate leave before the squad left for Britain. Simmons temporarily left the West Indies' protective bubble to attend the funeral, which took place in Britain. Simmons has twice tested negative for the coronavirus and will rejoin the squad if he's given the all-clear following another test carried out on Wednesday. But ahead of a Test series taking place against the backdrop of COVID-19, ESPNCricinfo revealed that BCA chief Conde Riley had written to Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt lamenting an "inconsiderate and reckless" process as he called for Simmons' dismissal. But Skerritt told a conference call: "I want to assure West Indies cricket fans that Phil Simmons still has the full backing of Cricket West Indies no matter what has been said. "When all is said and done, Phil's job is not in any way threatened by that letter. "He went through a very vigorous recruitment process nine months ago and was the best man we could have found for the job. He's still the best man." Meanwhile Simmons, in his second stint as Windies coach, said: "This has not been an easy time for my family. My wife was very close to her father and his passing has hurt us. There was no question of me not going to the funeral. "My wife, my daughters and my son needed that support. Family is a huge thing for me. "It won't disrupt us, it will just make us a little stronger going into the Test series. Our focus is still on the series." West Indies captain Jason Holder had no qualms over Simmons' brief absence. "Phil has done what was asked of him and I don't have any issue with it," he said.

Windies coach Simmons won't be sacked over funeral attendance

West Indies coach Phil Simmons is in short-term&nbsp;self-isolation after being allowed to attend the funeral of his&nbsp;father-in-law and has since twice tested negative for coronavirus, team chiefs said Sunday.

Prior to the start of their three-Test tour of England, Simmons had already sought permission to leave the team's bio-secure bubble at Old Trafford in Manchester.

"The entire process of his exit and re-entry to the bio-secure location was approved and managed by the medical&nbsp;teams of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)," said a statement.

Simmons travelled to the small private family cremation and returned on Friday.

"Following his return, Simmons has been in self-isolation away from other members of the squad, exactly as had always been planned.&nbsp;

"He has so far undergone two COVID-19 tests since Friday – both of which came back negative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"He will have another test on Wednesday before he will re-join the squad as they prepare for the three-match series against England."

The first Test of three against England gets underway in Southampton, another bio-secure location, on July 8.

All matches will be played behind closed doors.

West Indies coach Phil Simmons is in short-term self-isolation after being allowed to attend the funeral of his father-in-law and has since twice tested negative for coronavirus, team chiefs said Sunday.

West Indies coach Phil Simmons is in short-term self-isolation after being allowed to attend the funeral of his father-in-law and has since twice tested negative for coronavirus, team chiefs said Sunday. Prior to the start of their three-Test tour of England, Simmons had already sought permission to leave the team's bio-secure bubble at Old Trafford in Manchester. "The entire process of his exit and re-entry to the bio-secure location was approved and managed by the medical teams of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)," said a statement. Simmons travelled to the small private family cremation and returned on Friday. "Following his return, Simmons has been in self-isolation away from other members of the squad, exactly as had always been planned. "He has so far undergone two COVID-19 tests since Friday – both of which came back negative. "He will have another test on Wednesday before he will re-join the squad as they prepare for the three-match series against England." The first Test of three against England gets underway in Southampton, another bio-secure location, on July 8. All matches will be played behind closed doors.

Windies coach Simmons leaves bubble for funeral, tests negative twice for virus

phil-simmons-funeral

Phil Simmons Funeral, News on Phil Simmons Funeral, stories on Phil Simmons Funeral, articles on Phil Simmons Funeral, Phil Simmons Funeral stories at Wion, Phil Simmons Funeral news, Phil Simmons Funeral latest news

phil simmons-funeral

Windies coach Simmons won't be sacked over funeral attendance

Windies coach Simmons leaves bubble for funeral, tests negative twice for virus