Grant Bradburn is to step down as National Coach of the Scotland cricket team after over four years to take up a position as assistant coach with Pakistan. This follows a strong last 18 months which have seen the Scotland side develop into a major international cricketing force.
Grant’s departure leaves an opening for one of the most attractive jobs in international cricket. After its progress over the last few years, Scotland is now the next logical candidate for full test membership of the ICC (International Cricket Council). The new coach will be part of this exciting journey and will join a strong squad and support team.
Malcolm Cannon, Cricket Scotland CEO said: “Grant Bradburn’s departure is a demonstration of the high profile the Scotland men’s team has achieved through its continued success over recent years. The team has performed very strongly, including our first victory at a world event, a strong performance at the World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe and four wins against ICC full members (Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and England) including the iconic ODI victory against England in June this year.
“Grant leaves the team in a very good position to qualify for, and compete strongly in, the next two World T20 finals in 2020 and 2021. Excellent systems consistently win matches and we now have not only a strong squad and a healthy pathway, but strong systems and a great support team in place. To us, Grant will always be considered a Scot and we wish him the very best of luck and good fortune in his new role as we each move onto a more exciting future.”
Grant took Scotland to the WT20 finals in India where Scotland recorded its first ever victory at a world event. This was followed in 2017 and 2018 by victories over four different ICC full members (their first ever victories against full members) and a tie against a fifth. Scotland’s momentous victory against top-ranked ODI side England on June 10ththis year cemented its position as a highly competitive white ball team.
Scotland’s performances in the World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe in early 2018 achieved global recognition and the painful exit at the hands of West Indies in a rain-affected game received huge sympathy from cricket aficionados around the world.
Grant has been head-hunted by Pakistan cricket to join their coaching team. He will replace Steve Rixon as Fielding Specialist and will work alongside the PCB coaching team lead by Head Coach Mickey Arthur. Pakistan, currently top-ranked T20 team in the world, obviously recognised in Grant the qualities and successes they desire as they attempt to build the national side to be top-ranked in all three formats.
Grant said “I am extremely proud of the progress the National Team and Cricket Scotland as an organisation have made, which makes it a difficult decision to step away at this time. The team is in a great place and recent success is no surprise, considering the strong hard working, winning culture that exists amongst the players and staff. I am positive the team is ready and capable to continue the climb towards full membership and further International success. Scotland will rely on the continued valuable partnership with the ICC, who surely have an obligation now to recognise the very success they have invested in over many years. Scotland and the other leading Associates simply need to play more and with ICC’s support to do so, Scotland will continue to lead the growth of a dynamic, entertaining global game.
“Perhaps the key thing I am most proud of though, is the style of cricket our players are now confidently choosing to play. The brilliant fielding, coupled with an aggressive attitude towards playing positive, attractive, entertaining cricket, I believe is a foundation for success and further growth of the game here in Scotland.”
