Kyle Coetzer, the captain of Scotland’s men’s cricket team, has opted to step down following their ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series match against the UAE on Friday, June 3rd.
Coetzer, 38, has captained Scotland at the U15, U17, and U19 levels, including at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh in 2004. When Gordon Drummond stepped down in 2013, he took over the leadership of Scotland.
Coetzer will make his 214th international appearance and 110th as captain in Friday’s League 2 match between Scotland and the UAE. Scotland is currently in second place in League 2.
Coetzer also holds the record for most runs scored in one-day internationals, with 2867 runs scored in 73 matches at an average of 42.79. Last year, he was selected Associate Cricketer of the Decade by the International Cricket Council. He’s also the third most capped cricketer in Scotland’s history.
He also has more wins than any other Scottish skipper, and he guided his country to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification in 2021.
Despite the fact that Coetzer would be standing down as captain, he has shown an interest in continuing to play the game. His replacement will be named before Scotland’s next series against Namibia and Nepal in July.
In an official statement, he said, “I have thought long and hard about my choice to step aside as captain of the Scotland men’s side and have decided this test against the UAE will be my last at the helm.”
“It’s been an amazing honour to lead this group through all periods of our growth and development as well as captain my country, and I’ll cherish those memories for the rest of my life. I’m proud of where we’ve come, and I’m even more thrilled about where this team may go under its new leader.
“It’s been amazing to watch how the players have handled themselves on the pitch recently, and having more than one captain has been a really positive and encouraging indication for me. It was because of this that I felt it was time to explain my choice and stand down.
“I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to influence this group of players and assist Scotland during this period of cricket. I’ve certainly given it my all, and I hope the players and fans enjoyed themselves as well. Although I’m sad to be stepping down, I’m pleased with where the team is now, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for us all.
Over the years, my main motivation has been to ensure that the team has all they require and to lead them in whatever manner I can. Moving forward, I have no intention of retiring from cricket and will continue to give everything I have to my teammates and the next captain – scoring as many runs as I can for Scotland remains my primary goal.
“We have one more game in the United States, and I’m planning on putting my head down and trying to enjoy the moment.” We still have points to pick up in the next couple of series, and as we get closer to the World Cup qualifier, we want to make sure we get automatic qualification, which is a big motivator for me.
“I’m really proud of my teammates’ efforts and grateful to everyone who has assisted me along the way. It’s been a fantastic adventure so far, and there’ll be plenty more thrilling cricket to come.”
Interim Head of Performance at Cricket Scotland, Toby Bailey, complimented Coetzer on a great captaincy career.
“On behalf of Cricket Scotland, the coaching staff, the men’s squad, and the Scottish cricketing community, I’d want to thank Kyle for everything he’s done during his time as captain,” Bailey said.
“Kyle has made an indelible contribution to the game in Scotland, both as a leader and as a cricketer, helping the team improve through the years and motivating others.
“We’re all excited to see what Kyle can do as a player in the future, and we wish him the best of luck in this new chapter.”
