AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands has appointed former Australian international Ashley Noffke as the new head coach for its men's cricket team. Noffke will lead the team through World Cup qualification campaigns in both white-ball formats, following the resignation of former coach Ryan Cook. Noffke has signed a two-year contract with the team.

According to International Cricket Council, the 49-year-old Noffke brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played international cricket for Australia and coached in domestic leagues across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the UK. His most recent position was as assistant coach and bowling lead for Pakistan's men's team. Noffke emphasized the importance of building a strong culture and good rapport with his team as his primary focus.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Dutch men's team, which has become a fixture at the T20 World Cups," Noffke stated in a press release from the national board, the KNCB. He expressed his commitment to helping the team continue its development and advance the program, stating his approach begins with building connections before implementing tactics and plans.

The Netherlands men's team has already secured a spot in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier with a top-four finish in the League 2 pathway and remains in contention for a position at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2028. The team participated in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, securing notable victories against Bangladesh and South Africa. In the T20 World Cup, they recorded a win against Namibia in group play in Delhi.