Amstelveen, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Australia fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands men’s cricket team on an initial two-year contract that will run until 2028, the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) announced on Wednesday.
The 49-year-old Noffke succeeds Ryan Cook, who stepped down from the position to spend more time with his family.
Noffke recently served as assistant coach and bowling coach of the Pakistan men’s team, including during the third Test against England at Edgbaston. He will now take charge of the Dutch side with an immediate focus on its qualification campaigns for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup.
“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 programme forward. My approach starts with connection, before the tactic or the plan. I can’t wait to get started,” Noffke said.
Noffke represented Australia in one ODI and two T20Is and played first-class cricket for Queensland, Western Australia and four English counties — Durham, Middlesex, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
He was also part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League in 2008. During his playing career, the right-arm pacer claimed 386 first-class wickets and scored 3,766 runs. He was also one of only three Australians to complete the 500-run and 50-wicket double in a single domestic season.
After moving into coaching, Noffke built experience across international and franchise cricket. He guided Brisbane Heat to a Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title, Queensland Fire to a Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) trophy and London Spirit to their maiden Hundred title.
He has also worked as assistant coach and bowling coach of UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
After heading Otago’s men’s programme in New Zealand, Noffke joined Pakistan’s coaching setup alongside Mike Hesson as assistant coach and bowling lead. During that stint, he was part of the team that reached the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Asia Cup final.
KNCB Chief Executive Officer Huib van Walsem thanked Cook for his contribution to the Netherlands programme and backed Noffke to take the team forward.
“Noffke brings global experience and fourteen championships to this role, and his belief that connection comes before tactics will resonate with this group,” van Walsem said.
He credited Cook with making significant technical, tactical and fitness-related improvements before describing Noffke as a coach focused on creating an environment in which players can develop and sustain their performances.
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