Kyle Coetzer steps down as Scotland skipper

In the latest developments, veteran Scotland cricketer Kyle Coetzer has decided to step down as captain after his side's upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series match against the United Arab Emirates on Friday, June 03.


Coetzer, 38, released an official statement on Friday to confirm the development.


The veteran batter, who was also named the ICC Associate Player of the Decade, said that so many leaders have emerged within the plating group and convinced him to relinquish the duties and make way for others.


He also expressed satisfaction at how his tenure- which started way back in 2013- has fared and is excited to see where the team goes under the new leader.


"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 with where this team can go under its next leader," he added.


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

"I have no desire to stop playing"- Kyle Coetzer


Coetzer made his international debut in 2008. He was earmarked as a leader quite early in his career, thanks to his experience of leading the Scottish U15, U17, and U19s. He also led the side at the 2004 U19 World Cup in Bangladesh.


The 38-year-old further added that he is grateful for leading his country for several years, adding that he gave it all.


He also asserted that he has no intentions of saying goodbye to the game just yet.


"I'm so grateful to have impacted this group of players and helped 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," Coetzer added.


"My biggest driving force over the 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," he concluded.


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