Former Australia cricketer Ashley Noffke has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands men’s national cricket team. The 49-year-old has signed an initial two-year contract until 2028 after Ryan Cook recently stepped down from the role to spend more time with his family.
The Netherlands recently secured a guaranteed top-four finish in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Under Cook, the Dutch side impressed at the 2023 Cricket World Cup by defeating <a href="https://cricket.international/pat-cummins-mitchell-starc-and-josh-hazlewood-unlikely-to-play-all-3-odis-vs-south-africa/" title="Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood unlikely to play all 3 ODIs vs South Africa“>South Africa and Bangladesh, and they remain in contention for qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Ashley Noffke Shares Priorities as Netherlands Head Coach
Ashley Noffke has shared his plans for the Netherlands after taking charge of the men’s national team. The former Australia international will oversee the Dutch side through their qualification campaigns for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup.
Noffke said building a strong connection with the players will be his first priority. He believes the Netherlands have a talented and motivated group that can continue to improve after establishing themselves as a regular presence at major ICC events.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Dutch men’s team, which has become a fixture at the T20 World Cups. 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.”
Ashley Noffke’s Coaching Career Before Netherlands Appointment
Ashley Noffke joined Pakistan in May 2025 as their white-ball bowling coach and assistant coach, working under head coach Mike Hesson. He spent around 16 months with the national team before stepping down from the role.
During his stint with Pakistan, Noffke was involved in the team’s run to the T20 World Cup Super Eights and the Asia Cup final. He also took on additional responsibility as interim Test bowling coach during Pakistan’s September 2026 tour of England.
Noffke replaced Umar Gul in the Test coaching setup after Pakistan lost the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s. Pakistan eventually suffered a 3-0 series whitewash after losing the third Test by eight wickets.
Noffke will remain involved with Pakistan for the 2026 Asian Games. The men’s team will enter the competition at the quarter-final stage on September 28.
The 49-year-old won a Women’s Big Bash League title and two Coach of the Year awards with Brisbane Heat, while also guiding Queensland Fire to a Women’s National Cricket League championship. He later won The Hundred with London Spirit and coached Otago’s men’s team in New Zealand.
Ashley Noffke’s Playing Career and First-Class Record
Ashley Noffke represented Australia in one ODI and two T20Is during his international career. The right-arm fast-medium bowler also developed an impressive first-class record while playing for Queensland, Western Australia and four English counties.
He finished his first-class career with 3,766 runs and 386 wickets. Noffke also became only the third Australian to complete a domestic season double of more than 500 runs and 50 wickets.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
