Simmons: Ban was a bit harsh

West Indies coach Phil Simmons admitted yesterday that his decision to ban popular cricket commentator Mohammed from interviewing the regional players prior to the start of the second Test against Australia in Melbourne a few days ago, may have been a bit harsh, but he had to do it to protect his players.

His comments totally contradict a report by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Tuesday which stated that there was no ban on Mohammed. According to the report by the WICB management, “the team fully appreciates and understands the importance of the media towards providing information on the game as well as the growth and development of the sport.”

But yesterday on i95.5FM radio programme Simmons said he does not hold grudges and will approach Mohammed, whom he has known from Under-19 cricket, to tell him how he feels about what had transpired and sort things out.