Ottis Gibson has been appointed as Yorkshire’s new head coach on a three-year contract beginning in February. The club announced that the 52-year-old, who has previously been the head coach of West Indies and South Africa as well as bowling coach for England and most recently Bangladesh, is the latest addition to the support staff in a new look. Headingley.
Gibson will join the club at the end of his contract as bowling coach with Multan Sultans in the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He replaces Andrew Gayle, who was sacked from the club in the wake of the racism scandal following claims by former player Azeem Rafiq that shook the cricketing world.
“I am extremely honored and excited to have the opportunity to join Yorkshire County Cricket Club as head coach. This is one of the most coveted roles in English county cricket, and I am really looking forward to working with this talented group of players to take the club forward. I have spoken extensively with Goffey (Darren Gough) about the direction the club is headed and I am excited to be a part of that future,” Gibson said on his appointment.
It was earlier reported that former Pakistan captain Younis Khan and former South African fast bowler Allan Donald were in contention for the post. But as things stand, Gibson has been nominated for the position. He will report to the interim Managing Director of Yorkshire Cricket, Gough, and will be supported by two assistant coaches who will be appointed shortly.
“Otis becoming head coach is a momentous moment for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and we are very pleased that he has become part of the team. Otis is one of the best coaches in the world and would be a great addition. His knowledge, commitment, experience and knowledge of cricket will be important to us as we step into the pre-season and prepare ourselves.”
Gough went on to say that the response to applying for the head coach job at Yorkshire was overwhelming. “We were absolutely impressed by the level and quality of interest of the candidates for this role, but I have no doubt that he is the best person for the job and will take up the challenge with pleasure.”
In a career spanning 17 years, Gibson played two Tests and 15 ODIs for the West Indies. As their coach, he was in charge of the team during the 2012 T20 World Cup victory in Sri Lanka. Gibson also formed a significant part of England’s backroom staff during two Ashes series victories and has been instrumental in the development of many players around the world.
“We are delighted to welcome Otis to the club. His playing and coaching credentials speak for itself and he has had a distinguished career performing at the highest level. The process we are going through at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Therein Otis’ character and his commitment are reflected in our discussions,” said Yorkshire President Lord Patel.
The 52-year-old has county cricket experience as a player, representing Durham, Glamorgan and Leicestershire in both red and white ball games. In 2007, Gibson made history as he took 10 wickets in an innings for Durham against Hampshire.
“He is someone I know who will encourage dialogue and help foster a clubbing culture, while also supporting and developing the world-class talent we have here and taking them to the next level. Looking forward to working with Otis over the weeks and months as we continue to rebuild the club,” concluded Patel.
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