‘We appreciate his willingness’ - CWI director of cricket backs interim women’s coach after Deitz exit

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

Shane Deitz is out as West Indies Women head coach after serving in the position for just over three years.

A release from Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday confirmed that the two parties had mutually agreed to part ways following the expiration of his contract at the end of October.

CWI also announced that former West Indies men’s Test head coach Andre Coley will lead the women’s team on an interim basis for the upcoming series against Pakistan, working alongside the existing support staff.

Deitz, who took over as head coach in July 2023, won approximately 35 per cent of the team’s One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals during his tenure.

The Australian guided West Indies Women to consecutive semi-final appearances at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said Deitz was leaving to pursue a new opportunity.

“Shane took this team to two World Cup semi-finals in a row, and that is now the standard this group holds itself to. We thank him for it,” said Bascombe.

“He told us of his plans, and we agreed together that a clean handover now was best for the team,” Bascombe added.

Reflecting on his time with the organisation, Deitz said: “I look back on a successful three years, and I want to thank the players, the staff, and Cricket West Indies for their support. I wish the team every success.”

Coley is a familiar face within the West Indies setup, having served as the men’s Test head coach from 2023 to 2025 before being replaced by Daren Sammy.

He has also held coaching roles with the West Indies ‘A’ team and Under-19 programme.

Bascombe said Coley remains a valued member of the wider West Indies cricket coaching system and has continued to contribute through engagements within the High-Performance Programme.

“Andre brings valuable experience from across West Indies cricket system, including last year’s Men’s A-Team engagement. We appreciate his willingness to take on this assignment and ensure that preparation for Pakistan carries on without interruption,” Bascombe said.

CWI said it will provide further updates on the team’s leadership in due course.