Kyle Coetzer, one of Scotland’s finest ever cricketers, has announced his retirement from playing with immediate effect.
The Aberdonian first appeared for the national team in 2003 and went on to amass 230 international caps, becoming the country’s highest-run scorer in one-day internationals.
The opening bat captained the Saltires 110 times and played in the 2015 50-over World Cup, scoring the country’s first World Cup century, as well as the 2016 and 2021 T20I tournaments, leading Scotland into the Super12 stage for the first time in their history at that latter event. He also played in the memorable ODI victory over England at The Grange in 2018.
The 38 year-old retired from T20 cricket ahead of the 2022 World Cup but remained part of the one-day squad that clinched top place in World Cricket League 2 earlier this year.
That success has earned them a place in the 50-over World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe in June but Coetzer won’t be involved in that after accepting a position as assistant coach with the Northern Diamonds women’s team in England and hanging up his bat for good.
He said: “I don’t ever think there’s a perfect time for a decision like this, but I’ve been considering my options for some time, and an opportunity came up which was too good to turn down.
“The balance that the Scotland team needed at this time was outweighed by the opportunity for me to move into coaching, and I’m extremely excited about the chance to work with such a high-profile team.
“The chance to move straight into the performance game isn’t always there, and I’m fortunate that this opportunity opened up for me at this moment and I can take it on
“The Northern Diamonds are one of the top sides in the country; they won the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy at Lord’s last season, and they’ve been performing well in the last couple of years. To be involved with coaching a performance team at that level is really exciting.
“I’ve been so lucky throughout my Scotland career that it’s tricky to pick out a highlight. Getting our first win in the ICC T20 World Cup against Hong Kong in India in 2016 was special... but then so was the whole of 2018.
“The victory against England at The Grange was just amazing. That whole year - Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, England - just felt like a change of momentum and belief amongst the players about competing against the best teams in the world. Reaching the ICC T20 Super 12’s in 2021, having never achieved it before, and being the captain of that squad, will also always stay with me.
“Creating memories, being around friends, and always finding a way to punch above our weight was just terrific. I’ve always loved the battle of trying to improve against all odds.
“With both the current squad and past players, it’s all been so special. I must thank all the coaches and teammates and staff, and the support I’ve had from friends and family to help me in my career. There’s been so many people all around the world who have helped to shape my career and will continue to do so.”
Coetzer handed over the captaincy to Richie Berrington last summer and his close friend was sorry to see him go.
He said: “Kyle’s had an incredible career, and to play at the level he has for such a long period of time is testament to his dedication, his work ethic, and his passion for the game. He’s been hugely influential in growing our game and taking this team forward over the years.
“He’s been inspirational not only as a leader, but through some of the special performances and milestones that he's achieved. He led the team to some of our biggest ever wins, particularly at the T20 World Cup in 2021 when we reached the Super 12’s - that was certainly a memorable moment for the squad.
“He’s always given our team a belief that we can go out there and compete with the best in the world. He’s also someone who’s highly regarded and respected in our game, and he’s been a great ambassador not only for Scottish cricket but Associate cricket as well.
“On a personal level, it’s been a privilege to play alongside him and share some of those special moments. I know he’ll never let me forget the couple of times he’s got me out in regional cricket! I’ve certainly learnt a lot under his leadership, and he’s become a good friend and mentor to me over the years.
“He’s a great family man and I know they will be extremely proud of everything he’s achieved. I’ve no doubt he’ll go on to have a very successful career as a coach. We will certainly miss him, but the knowledge, experience, and belief he’s passed on to our group will go a long way in us progressing as a team.”
