Kyle Coetzer resigns as Scotland captain

Kyle Coetzer, who led Scotland to qualify for the Super 12s in the 2021 T20 World Cup, has stepped down from the captaincy role. On Friday, the 38-year-old announced his decision prior to their ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series fixture against the UAE in Texas.

Coetzer has captained Scotland 110 times, while he has donned the national jersey 214 times. Only two players have made more appearances than him for the country. He has accumulated 2,877 runs in ODIs, of which his 156 against Bangladesh in 2015 was arguably his biggest personal achievement. It was the first hundred hit by a Scottish player in ODIs.

“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,” Coetzer said in a statement released by Cricket Scotland.

“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.

“My biggest driving force over years has been to help the team have everything they need and lead them in every way I can. Moving forward I have no desire to stop playing and will be giving everything I have to my fellow players and the next captain – going out and scoring as many runs as I possibly can for Scotland remains the focus.”

Notably, Coetzer won the ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade in 2020.