Scotland Fast-tracks World Cup Preparations with New Coaching Panel

Scotland Fast-tracks World Cup Preparations with New Coaching Panel

Scotland Men's Head Coach Owen Dawkins confirms his elite coaching staff for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India. Following a sudden invitation to the tournament, Scotland has recruited specialists from Somerset and Nottinghamshire, including Paul Tweddle and Zac Bess, to bolster their campaign alongside spin coach Moneeb Iqbal. Read the full staff announcement and World Cup outlook.

 

EDINBURGH – Scotland Men’s Head Coach Owen Dawkins has officially unveiled his backroom staff for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India, moving with urgency following the nation’s eleventh-hour inclusion in the tournament. The announcement comes just ten days after Cricket Scotland received an unexpected invitation to compete, a byproduct of the ongoing administrative turmoil that has disrupted the original tournament lineup.

Despite the unconventional path to qualification, Dawkins has assembled a diverse team of specialists designed to provide stability and high-performance expertise under extreme time constraints. The coaching unit, led by Dawkins and Assistant Coach Gordon Drummond—both appointed in December 2025—will be bolstered by the tactical insights of Moneeb Iqbal, Paul Tweddle, and Zac Bess.

A Blend of Continuity and County Excellence

A key figure in the setup is Moneeb Iqbal, a former Scottish international who returns as the specialist spin coach. Iqbal provides vital continuity, having served in the same capacity during the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. His existing rapport with the current playing squad is expected to be a significant asset in the spin-friendly conditions anticipated in India.

Joining the ranks from the English county circuit is Paul Tweddle, who will spearhead the team’s fielding department. Tweddle arrives with a formidable reputation, having played a pivotal role in Somerset’s T20 Blast titles in 2023 and 2025. His resume also includes stints with the England Lions, bringing a level of elite tactical discipline that Dawkins believes will be transformative for the Scottish side.

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Specialized Support and Strength

The physical preparation of the squad will be managed by Zac Bess, the current Strength and Conditioning coach for Nottinghamshire. Bess brings a wealth of short-format experience to the table, including work with the Trent Rockets in The Hundred and previous roles at Worcestershire.

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The logistical and medical backbone of the campaign will be managed by a seasoned support team:

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  • Team Manager: Fiona Rae

  • Team Doctor: Dr. Raj McRea-Routray

  • Physiotherapist: Gary Metcalfe

Turning Crisis into Opportunity

“Given the extremely short notice we had to build a staff for the tournament, it was important for us to provide a staff with a number of different experiences,” Dawkins stated, acknowledging the frantic pace of the last fortnight. He specifically credited Head of Performance Steve Snell for orchestrating the structural framework of the team in record time.

While the "T20 World Cup row" continues to cast a shadow over the tournament's broader organization, Scotland’s rapid mobilization signals a team ready to capitalize on their fortune. By integrating coaches with proven success in high-pressure environments like the T20 Blast and previous World Cups, Scotland aims to transition from "last-minute replacements" to genuine competitive threats on the global stage.

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