Ryan Cook steps down as Netherlands men's team head coach
Ryan Cook has stepped down from the role of head coach of the men's Netherlands team with immediate effect. Heino Kuhn, who is Netherlands' batting coach, will take over from Cook on an interim basis. An official release from KNCB stated that the decision has come after his family has welcomed their second child recently.
Cook has held the role since May 2022: the year when Netherlands reached the final of the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe, securing a spot in the T20 World Cup in Australia. They weren't merely making up the numbers under Cook, as two of the highlights of his tenure came in that tournament where Netherlands beat South Africa and Zimbabwe. Netherlands made their way to the Super 12 of that tournament and crucially earned a direct qualification to the next edition in 2024.
"Coaching the Dutch men's team has without a shadow of a doubt been one of the highlights of my coaching career so far," Cook said in a KNCB statement. "It's been an absolute pleasure to lead the journey towards professionalism and creating a competitive cricket team with strong values.
"I thank all at the KNCB and the Dutch cricket community for all their continued support throughout the years. The KNCB and the team deserve someone who can give the job the full, sustained focus and presence it now requires. I know that the foundations are strong and the future is bright."
In the 50-over format, Netherlands under Cook got the better of West Indies, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Scotland in 2023, while also securing qualification to a World Cup for the first time since 2011. They once again refused to be mere participants, downing South Africa again, as well as Bangladesh to earn plaudits. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, they beat Namibia and showed a lot of grit against tournament hosts India in the 2026 edition. They currently sit third in the CWC League 2 which offers the prospect of an entry to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards was expectedly effusive in his praise for the departing head coach. "Ryan has been instrumental in the growth of this team and Dutch cricket as a whole over the past four years. His passion, professionalism and commitment to creating a strong culture have helped us achieve some memorable performances and set this team up for future success. On behalf of the players, I want to thank Ryan for everything he has done for us and wish him and his family all the very best for the future," he said.
KNCB CEO Huib van Walsem talked up the impact that Cook leaves behind on the team. "Ryan Cook has had an enormous impact on the entire system of Dutch cricket, building the depth of players, a strong team culture, coaching development and contributions to grassroots cricket. We are grateful for his wonderful efforts that have brought great results."
