Ashley Noffke has been named the head coach of the Netherlands men’s national team, accepting a two-year contract that runs through the end of 2028. The former Australian international resigned from his position as Pakistan’s white-ball bowling coach and will join the Dutch setup following the conclusion of the 2026 Asian Games.
Noffke resigned from his Pakistan role after approximately 16 months, despite a contract that was originally scheduled to run until June 2027. He will remain with the Pakistan squad for the Asian Games in Japan, which begins for them at the quarter-final stage on September 28. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already advertised for a new bowling coach, setting a submission deadline of October 8, 2026.
The move represents a transition from a specialized assistant role to the head of an associate program. Noffke recently served as Pakistan’s interim Test bowling coach during the 3-0 series defeat in England in September 2026, following the mid-series sacking of Umar Gul. His departure marks the fourth high-profile exit from the Pakistan support staff this year, following Shane McDermott, Hanif Malik, and Cliffe Deacon.
Netherlands CEO Huib van Walsem highlighted Noffke’s focus on long-term structural development. “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,” van Walsem said.
Noffke, who succeeds Ryan Cook, emphasized his coaching philosophy centered on player relations. “My approach starts with connection, before the tactic or the plan. I can’t wait to get started,” Noffke stated.
The Australian takes over a Netherlands team currently competing in the ICC CWC League 2. His tenure will focus on the qualification process for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, the PCB must secure a permanent bowling replacement to work alongside head coach Mike Hesson for the upcoming home season.
