Phil Simmons, the West Indies head coach, has stepped down following the team’s exit from the T20 World Cup in Australia, Cricket West Indies announced on Monday.

The twice champions suffered a surprise elimination by Ireland with a nine-wicket thrashing in Hobart on Friday, ending bottom of Group B with two points.

“I acknowledge that it’s not just the team that is hurting but the proud nations we represent as well,” Simmons said.

“It’s disappointing and heart-wrenching but we just didn't turn up. We weren’t good enough and we now have to watcha tournament playout without our involvement. It’s unfathomable and for that, I deeply apologise to our fans and followers.”

This was the team’s earliest exit from the global showpiece since the inaugural 2007 edition. Simmons had led the Windies to their second T20 World Cup title in 2016.