Doug Watson’s time in charge of Scotland’s men has come to an end, a little over two years after he first took the reins on an interim basis. Cricket Scotland confirmed the departure on Saturday, noting that the move follows “a review of recent results, and subsequent planning around future fixtures and allocation of budget”.
Watson, 52, had his interim post made permanent early last year. The team’s on-field record under him mixed notable peaks with frustrating near-misses. Scotland finished atop the current ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWCL2) standings, an achievement that keeps their 50-over ambitions on course. Yet the side also slipped up in July, losing to Italy in the regional final and missing out on the 2025 T20 World Cup.
“While I’m disappointed to be moving on, I’ll take with me many fond memories of my time with the organisation,” 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.”
His tenure delivered a solid showing at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Scotland defeated Namibia and Oman and missed the Super Eights by a whisker. The squad’s white-ball development – particularly the power-play batting and death-over bowling – drew praise from rival coaches. Yet inconsistency in regional events ultimately counted against him.
Head of Performance Steve Snell acknowledged the personal and professional impact Watson had made. “I’d like to thank Doug for all his efforts with the team during his time in charge,” Snell said. “He is well-liked by the players, has made a positive impact in many areas, and has enjoyed some memorable moments with the squad during his time as head coach … We wish Doug all the best for his next steps, and we are thankful for his contributions to Scottish cricket.”
With the national side not due to play again until March 2026, Cricket Scotland will take time to map out its coaching structure. Short-term, assistants are expected to oversee winter player programmes. A full appointment is likely closer to the next CWCL2 round, ensuring the incoming coach has clarity on budgets and fixtures before committing.
For Watson, who has family in South Africa and coaching experience in New Zealand’s domestic system, a return to the southern hemisphere seems probable. Wherever he lands, his steady hand and measured approach should remain in demand, even if results in Scotland ultimately fell just shy of long-term targets.
