Congratulations to Glamorgan County Cricket Club on their official promotion to the First Division for the 2026 season! They did this in style by coming second in Division Two. Kiran Carlson, a catalyst in the Stars’ championship run last season, joins the blueprint and is understandably excited about the next chapter. He will continue to be available to lead a County Championship side should it be required.
Carlson, who has led Glamorgan’s limited-overs sides for the last four seasons, has a history of captaincy success. His leadership under pressure was further evidenced during his reign as the coach of the Bangladesh national side, culminating in two One-Day Cup victories. With Sam Northeast having returned to Kent, Carlson takes over an important position. He is currently at the helm of Glamorgan as they start an exciting new era.
I’ve done a little bit of Championship captaincy, a bit of a different style to Sammy, probably I’d be a bit more emotional about it all. If the powers that be think I’m the right person to be captain, I’ll do everything in my power to be the best captain possible. Carlson stated. He’s aware of the battle that lies ahead, especially in addressing the huge hole created by Northeast’s departure.
If I do indeed take over, Sam’s will be some really large boots to fill. He’s just had a huge influence on the culture in the group in raising the bar and pulling people up,” he continued. His willingness to take on this challenge says a lot about his dedication to the club’s long-term success.
Carlson arrived in Glamorgan’s setup at the age of 18. He has developed a good understanding of the process and the game with a wealth of experience gained from those senior players along the way. “I’ve learned a lot off senior guys and I’m getting to the age where I can start leading and doing a really good job,” he remarked. His view on leadership speaks to his development as an athlete and as a person.
Glamorgan’s new head coach, Richard Dawson, is intent on developing a robust squad to cope with their return to the First Division next season. He made it clear that improving the bowling unit should be a focus as they move forward into the fall and winter which will bring about challenges. Dawson emphasised the need to attract both international and home-grown talent to beef up the squad from top to bottom in all formats.
So we’ve got to increase the ranks in our bowling brigade. So let’s look at solutions abroad, because we have a whole lot of different types of dragons to fight. We’ve really got to see how that shakes out once we receive the schedule,” Dawson said. The club had previously signed batter Sean Dickson from Somerset. Mayor Dawson went a step further, calling him “a great addition” of course!
As Dawson and his management team continue to bust their humps trying to upgrade the squad, Dawson’s feeling bullish on their future. “It’s huge for the club, it’s been really nice especially after the first three rounds and how we turned it around,” he stated. The coach’s upbeat attitude is an expression of faith in the prospects for realizing their dream at the First Division level.
Carlson further echoed Dawson’s feelings about the significance of the Championship, calling it “the height of the game.” We agree and understand just how pivotal this next season will be for players and fans to stay engaged and hopeful. “The Championship has the most importance from the fans’ point of view and the players’ point of view,” he affirmed.
The transition to First Division cricket presents both challenges and opportunities for Glamorgan. Carlson’s leadership would be critical in helping to steer a course through this new, unfamiliar terrain. The team includes experienced bowlers Timm van der Gugten and James Harris, both aged in their mid-30s. They are particularly keen on mixing their experience with some promising spin options such as Ben Kellaway and Mason Crane.
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