Change at the helm as Scotland Men's head coach departs
Scotland have parted ways with head coach Doug Watson.
Doug Watson has left his role as head coach of the Scotland’s men’s team after serving in the role for two years. Cricket Scotland took the decision after a review of recent results, subsequent planning around future fixtures and allocation of budget.
He was initially appointed on an interim basis in March 2023 ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, where he led Scotland to notable success by defeating three full-member sides. He later guided the team to victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in July 2023.
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Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade reflected on Watson's impact on the national side.
“We are grateful for Doug’s commitment since joining Cricket Scotland in 2023 and the positive impact he has had on the team’s performance and culture, but as we plan for 2026 and beyond, it became clear that a change was needed," Lindblade said.
In early 2024, he was appointed to the role on a permanent basis, and under his leadership Scotland impressed in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, defeating Namibia and Oman, and narrowly missing out on qualification for the Super Eights.
Recently, Scotland were a part of the European Qualifier for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, but were unable to make it as Italy and the Netherlands qualified.
"While I'm disappointed to be moving on, I'll take with me many fond memories of my time with the organisation," Doug Watson said.
"It has been a pleasure to work with this squad and coaching staff, and I'm proud to leave with the team top of the ICC CWCL2 qualifying table, but I am now looking forward to spending more time with my family.
"I'm honoured to have worked with Cricket Scotland, and I will follow their future progress closely. I wish everyone involved every success moving forward."