The former Australian international Ashley Noffke has been named as the Netherlands’ new men’s head coach, signing an initial two-year contract that runs until the end of 2028.

Noffke will be taking over the role from Ryan Cook, who stepped down to spend more time with his family. The immediate takeover will involve overseeing the Netherlands through qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup.

Ashley Noffke brings extensive experience to the role. As a player, he represented Australia and had a stunning first-class spanning Queensland, Western Australia and England Counties – Durham, Middlesex, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

He has also played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the inaugural match in 2008.

He scored 3766 runs and picked 386 wickets in his first-class career, and was only the third Australian to achieve a season double of 500 runs and 50 wickets, a feat that earned him state player of the Year honours.

Speaking on his appointment, Ashley Noffke said, “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.”

Meanwhile, KNCB CEO Huib van Walsem Noffke’s experience and philosophy, while paying tribute to Cook’s tenure.

“Noffke brings global experience and fourteen championships to this role, and his belief that connection comes before tactics will resonate with this group.”

“We thank Ryan Cook for the huge strides he made with the men’s programme, technically, tactically and in terms of fitness. Noffke doesn’t inherit talent and hope for the best. He builds the environment that talent needs to last, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have him leading that work.”