Narine, Simmons join forces at LA Knight Riders
West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine has been appointed captain of the LA Knight Riders for the inaugural Major League Cricket season.
The 35-year-old joins former West Indies head coach and fellow Trinidadian, Phil Simmons who took charge of the franchise for the July 13-30 campaign.
Former West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons.Associated Press / Arnulfo Franco, file
“I’ve always spoken about wanting to represent the Knight Riders wherever they play,” said Narine.
“We’ve long talked about coming to the United States and I’m happy it’s finally happening.”
“As captain of this side, I am looking forward to the challenge. There are a lot of experienced guys in this team who I can bounce information off, so it will be an exciting time for us,” said Narine.
“We hope for all Knight Riders fans in America to come out and support us, and all those around the world to keep cheering for us.”
Narine is fresh from representing Surrey in England T20 Blast recently where he proved instrumental for the London club, grabbing 20 wickets in 15 matches and scoring a blazing half-century to help them into the semi-finals.
Simmons, meanwhile, quit the West Indies post following the tour of Australia last December, in the wake of a series of heavy losses for the Caribbean side.
He will lead Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2023 edition of the CPL beginning next month.
For the MLC campaign, Simmons will have Bharat Arun as bowling coach and former Dutch all-rounder Ryan Ten Doeschate as assistant coach.
