Ireland are on the lookout for a new head coach after Phil Simmons took up a similar role with his native West Indies.
The 51-year-old Trinidadian beat off competition from six other candidates to sign a three-year deal with his home nation and replace Ottis Gibson, taking up the role once the World Cup reaches its conclusion.
Therefore his first assignment will be a three-Test series with England in the Caribbean, starting next month.
Former batsman Simmons was the longest-serving coach in international cricket after overseeing 224 matches during a successful eight-year spell in charge of Ireland.
He led his side to every global event, including two World Cups and four World Twenty20s, and helped them claim 11 trophies.
Whilst dominating Associate cricket, Ireland have also claimed the scalps of England, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and West Indies.
Simmons, who played 26 Tests and 143 one-day internationals for his country, said: "I've had eight wonderful years as Ireland's head coach, and will always cherish the memories of those great days we've shared.
"The players and staff at Cricket Ireland have been simply magnificent. The wins in the World Cups over full members were all special as we showed the world just what Irish cricket is capable of.
"The Irish and West Indians are very similar in their nature and outlook on life and sport. They welcomed me into their country and I engaged with their sporting heritage and culture and I'm a richer, better person for it.
"I'll always be eternally grateful for the opportunity given to me by Cricket Ireland and in particular CEO Warren Deutrom, and it's been a great partnership over the past eight years. I've made some wonderful friends in that time, which has been among the happiest periods in my life.
"It was a very difficult decision to leave, but I couldn't turn down the opportunity to coach my home team. They're going through a difficult period at the moment, but I'm confident I can help to improve their fortunes."
Ireland captain Will Porterfield added: "Phil has been superb for the team and Irish cricket throughout his time in charge. We've all improved and grown as cricketers thanks to his efforts.
"He's been a towering presence not just in Irish cricket, but across the world where he is held in such high regard.
Some photos from Phil Simmons' tiem as Ireland coach http://t.co/dEgaxAE62i#ThanksPhilpic.twitter.com/YL7Iaqp2kf
— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) March 20, 2015
"While it's sad to be losing him at this time, everyone in the squad understands his reasons for wanting to coach his home country. We wish him and his family all the very best in the future."
Simmons helped Ireland defeat his new employers during their first Pool A match at the World Cup.
But despite claiming further victories over United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe, they narrowly missed out joining the Windies in the quarter-finals following defeat to Pakistan in their final outing.
West Indies Cricket Board chief executive officer Michael Muirhead said: “We are thrilled with the appointment of Phil and we believe he is the right individual for our team and our region at this time, so we want to welcome him back home.
“Phil has a proven ability to develop players, while cultivating great team spirit and a winning culture.
“We have a number of young, talented players about whom he is excited to be coaching and we believe he is the right fit.”