Kyle Coetzer steps down as Scotland captain

Scotland star Kyle Coetzer has stepped down as the captain of the team. The 38-year-old had announced his decision ahead of the side’s ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture against the UAE On Friday (June 3).

Coetzer, who debuted for Scotland in 2008, has captained his team at the U15, U17, and U19 levels, including the 2004 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh. He took over Scotland’s captaincy back in 2013 when Gordon Drummond had stepped down from the role.

Last year, Coetzer was named ICC’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade. He is Scotland’s third most capped player in cricket history and has most wins than any other Scottish captain. The Aberdeen-born led his team when they qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021.

Though Coetzer quit captaincy, he clearly mentioned that he would continue to don the national colours under a new leader in the coming times. Notably, Scotland’s new captain will be appointed propr to the series against Namibia and Nepal in July.

“I have thought long and hard about my decision to step down as captain of the Scotland men’s side and have decided this test against the UAE will be my last at the helm,” said Coetzer in an official statement.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to lead this group through various stages in our growth and development and captain my country, and I will look back on time with such fondness. I’m extremely proud of where we have got to, and I’m even more excited about where this team can go under its next leader.

“It’s been fantastic to see how the players are managing themselves on the field recently, and to have more than one leader out there effectively has been a really positive and encouraging sign for me. It was this that made me feel it was the right time to share my decision and step down.

“I’m so grateful to have been able to impact this group of players and help Scotland through this phase of cricket that I’ve been involved in. I’ve certainly given it my all, and I hope the players and fans also feel it’s been a positive experience. Although part of me is sad to be stepping down, I’m happy with where the team currently sits, and I’m full of anticipation about what’s to come next for us all.

“I’m extremely proud and thankful for all the efforts of my teammates and everyone who has helped me along the way. It’s been a great journey so far, and there’s going to be some more exciting cricket to play yet,” added Coetzer.