Ashley Noffke named Netherlands men’s head coach

Ashley Noffke has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands men’s cricket team on an initial two-year contract, the Royal Dutch Cricket Association announced Wednesday. He succeeds Ryan Cook and will lead the side’s campaigns to qualify for the 2027 50-over World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. Noffke, a former Australia international, said his first priority would be building connections with the players and continuing the team’s development. He described the squad as talented and motivated and said he was looking forward to taking the program forward. The association’s stated targets include reaching both upcoming tournaments. The appointment follows Cook’s decision to step down from the Netherlands role. Reports say Cook wanted to spend more time with his family. Noffke’s contract is described as an initial two-year deal, with reports saying it runs through 2028. Noffke had worked with Pakistan’s men’s team as an assistant and bowling coach since 2025. The reports describe him as leaving that coaching role to take up the Netherlands position.