Andre Russell reacts to coach’s “can’t beg” comment

Andre Russell responded to Phil Simmons’s criticism of West Indies players who choose to play in other leagues on Instagram.

Andre Russell, a great all-rounder, quickly responded on Instagram to criticisms made by West Indies coach Phil Simmons, who had said that players were putting their time and energy into T20 leagues rather than representing their country. “Hurts a lot. In fact, there is no better way to describe it. Yet, what else can you do? Personally, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to be pleading with people to play for their country. You’ll make yourself available if you really want to represent the West Indies, I imagine “ESPNcricinfo reported what Simmons was quoted as saying. Russell posted a picture of a news item about Simmons’ remarks to Instagram along with the caption “News article” I saw this coming, so I’m not going to say anything.

Russell used clap emojis at the beginning and finish of his caption.

As of the 2021 T20 World Cup, Russell had played in 67 T20Is for the West Indies.

There are a number of domestic leagues that feature players like Russell and Narine (who has not played for the Windies since 2019), including the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Big Bash League, and the Caribbean Premier League.

Phil Simmons had previously commented, “Life has evolved, in that people have the option to travel different locations and if they pick that over West Indies, that’s just how it is.”

Presently, West Indies and New Zealand are in the midst of a Twenty20 International series.