Doug Watson steps down as head coach of Scotland cricket team

Doug Watson has left his role as Scotland head coach following a review of recent results and planning around fixtures and budget allocation, Cricket Scotland said on Sunday.

Watson, 52, was first appointed on an interim basis in March 2023 ahead of the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

Though Scotland failed to qualify for the ODI tournament, he later guided the team to the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup, but failed to take it through to the 2026 edition.

The South African had become the permanent head coach in early 2024, leading Scotland at the T20 World Cup, where it competed in a group with Australia and England. The Scots beat Namibia and Oman but missed out on reaching the Super Eights.

“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,” Watson said.

Scotland will appoint a new head coach ahead of its League 2 series in Namibia in March. 

Published on Sep 07, 2025