The role of West Indies head coach stands as one of cricket’s most intensely scrutinized positions, drawing commentary from a global fanbase of diverse sporting knowledge and nationalities. Since 2023, Daren Sammy has carried this responsibility for the white-ball formats, with his expanded role as full-format head coach commencing in April 2025.
Sammy brings exceptional credentials to the position: a three-time ICC Trophy winner, two-time T20 World Cup champion captain, and accomplished coach with titles in the Pakistan Super League and Caribbean Premier League. His appointment across all formats in December 2024 signaled Cricket West Indies’ confidence in his leadership.
Yet this impressive resume faces its ultimate test during the ongoing T20 World Cup, where tournament performance may ultimately define his coaching legacy. Under Sammy’s guidance, the West Indies avoided the qualification embarrassment that plagued previous campaigns, successfully securing their place as co-hosts after missing both the 2023 ICC World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Sammy’s return to West Indies cricket carries particular significance given his historic departure. His emotionally charged 2016 post-victory interview, where he criticized the Dave Cameron-led board’s ‘disappointing’ reception, effectively ended his international playing career. That he returned under new leadership demonstrates his profound commitment to Caribbean cricket development.
Recent results, however, have drawn legitimate criticism. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, the West Indies have lost nine bilateral series while winning only two, including a shocking defeat to Nepal with a weakened squad. These performances prompted Cricket West Indies president Kishore Shallow to publicly characterize results as ‘below par’ while acknowledging Sammy’s shared responsibility for disappointing 2025 outcomes.
Cricket legend Ian Bishop emphasizes that World Cup performance will heavily influence Sammy’s evaluation. While acknowledging challenging pre-tournament series against top teams like Australia, India, and New Zealand, Bishop stated: ‘From a white-ball point of view, the real proof is going to be the T20 World Cup. That team has tremendous batting potential, and his assessment will rest heavily on this tournament.’
Sammy himself draws parallels to his 2016 championship campaign, noting similar underdog circumstances. In pre-tournament comments, he expressed confidence in his squad: ‘I’m looking at the caliber of talent in that dressing room. If we execute with bat, ball, and in the field, we’re in it to win it.’
The Saint Lucian coach now battles not only tournament opponents but also the weight of West Indies cricket legacy. With a talented squad capable of ending the region’s decade-long ICC trophy drought, Sammy must inspire the greatness that has eluded Caribbean cricket in recent years.