Ryan Cook gets contract extension as Netherlands cricket coach

The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB), the official governing body for cricket in Netherlands, has extended Ryan Cook’s contract as Head Coach of the Netherlands national men’s cricket team.

“The KNCB is delighted to be able to extend and expand the partnership with Ryan Cook. He will continue to lead the team, bringing forward the momentum built over the past years,” said a statement from KNCB.

“In addition to his role as head coach, Cook will also take on the responsibilities of High Performance Technical Director. He will be working on the further professionalisation of the high-performance organisation which includes designing a long-term high performance strategy and structure for national teams and A sides, working closely with the women’s head coach and coaching staff,” the statement added.

Cook will also oversee the implementation of the philosophy and working methods within the Academy, design a pathway for coaches, and advise on creating a sustainable Academy infrastructure, including a talent insights and recognition system, the KNCB further stated.

Since Ryan Cook took office in 2022, the Netherlands have achieved considerable success. The Dutch men's team made global sports news headlines at the end of 2022 by beating South Africa at the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Furthermore, in the summer of 2023, the Dutch qualified for the ICC Cricket World Cup in India in October of that year in spectacular fashion, by defeating Scotland and two-time world champions West Indies. During the World Cup, the Netherlands defeated Test nations South Africa and Bangladesh.

“It has been a privilege to coach such an aspirational group of players with an incredible appetite for learning and who possess the work ethic to further their growth. We have forged a close-knit group which has achieved many accolades together over the last few years and I, along with a wonderful support staff, look forward to leading this group to even greater heights. The future of Netherlands Cricket can go from strength to strength with improved systems and structures and I look forward to help build a ‘Dutch-way’ with the KNCB which can extend beyond the National Men’s Team’s successes for years to come,” said Cook.  

Cricket, Netherlands, Ryan Cook, World Cup, KNCB, Amsterdam