The Netherlands have appointed former Australian international Ashley Noffke as the new head coach of their men’s cricket team. The 49-year-old has signed an initial two-year contract, which will keep him in the position until the end of 2028. His primary mandate is to steer the Dutch side through the qualification campaigns for both the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Noffke steps into the role replacing Ryan Cook, who is departing to spend more time with his family. KNCB CEO Huib van Walsem praised the work Cook accomplished during his tenure, noting that the former coach made significant improvements to the team’s technical, tactical, and fitness standards. Walsem expressed confidence in Noffke, highlighting his track record of 14 championship titles and his emphasis on building a supportive environment where talent can flourish.
Reflecting on his new appointment, Noffke emphasized that his coaching philosophy centers on building human connections before implementing technical plans. He noted that the Dutch squad has established itself as a regular feature at T20 World Cups and expressed enthusiasm about further developing this motivated group. “I’m looking forward to working with the Dutch men’s team,” he said. “My approach starts with connection, before the tactic or the plan. I can’t wait to get started.”
Noffke brings a wealth of professional experience to the position. Throughout a storied first-class career, he played for Queensland, Western Australia, and four English counties—Durham, Middlesex, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire—while also appearing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2008 IPL. He finished his playing days with 3,766 runs and 386 wickets, notably becoming only the third Australian to achieve a season double of 500 runs and 50 wickets. His coaching background includes success in the WBBL and WNCL, a title with London Spirit in The Hundred, and a stint as assistant coach and bowling lead for the Pakistan men’s team starting in 2025. The report also notes that technically, tactically and in terms of fitness, we thank Ryan Cook for the huge strides he made with the men’s programme. The report also notes that motivated group, and my goal is to help continue that development and move the programme forward, this is a talented. The report also notes that noffke doesn’t inherit talent and hope for the best. The report also notes that and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him leading that work, he builds the environment that talent needs to last.
