Netherlands go with Noffke for World Cup push
The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) moved quickly to fill the head coach vacancy, appointing Ashley Noffke on an initial contract running until the end of 2028.
His brief is clear: guide the Netherlands through the qualification pathways for both the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Noffke replaces Ryan Cook, who stepped down to spend more time with his family.
From Pakistan role to Amsterdam
Noffke’s most recent job was as assistant coach and bowling lead with Pakistan’s men’s team, a role he took up in 2025.
He worked under head coach Mike Hesson, helping Pakistan reach the Super Eights at the T20 World Cup and the final of the Asia Cup.
The Netherlands announcement came as the Pakistan Cricket Board advertised for a new bowling coach, with applications open until October 8.
Playing career and coaching CV
A 49-year-old former fast-bowling all-rounder, Noffke played one ODI and two T20Is for Australia.
He had a long first-class career with Queensland, Western Australia and four English counties – Durham, Middlesex, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire – finishing with 3,766 runs and 386 wickets.
He was also part of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the inaugural IPL season in 2008.sportstar.thehindu
On the coaching front, Noffke has won a WBBL title and two Coach of the Year awards with Brisbane Heat, guided Queensland Fire to a WNCL crown and taken London Spirit to The Hundred championship.
He has also coached Otago’s men’s side before his Pakistan spell.
Culture first, then tactics
Noffke has stressed that building relationships will be his starting point in Amstelveen.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Dutch men’s team, which has become a fixture at the T20 World Cups,” he said in a KNCB release.
“This is a talented, motivated group, and my goal is to help continue that development and move the program forward. My approach starts with connection, before the tactic or the plan. I can’t wait to get started.”
What’s next for the Dutch?
With the contract locked in until 2028, Noffke’s immediate focus is the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup qualifiers and beyond into the 2028 T20 World Cup cycle.
The Netherlands have established themselves as regulars at T20 World Cups, and the board clearly wants that momentum to carry into the 50-over game under Noffke.
FAQs
Who is the new head coach of the Netherlands men’s cricket team?
Former Australia all-rounder Ashley Noffke has been appointed head coach on a two-year deal until the end of 2028.
Which tournaments will Noffke target with the Netherlands?
His main assignments are the qualification campaigns for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Who did Noffke replace as Netherlands head coach?
He succeeds Ryan Cook, who resigned to spend more time with his family.
What was Noffke doing before this appointment?
He was assistant coach and bowling lead with Pakistan’s men’s team, having joined in 2025 and worked under Mike Hesson.
