Netherlands, Ryan Cook part ways as head coach tenure ends


As of June 2026: Ryan Cook is still Netherlands head coach. He was quoted 3 days ago saying “Bangladesh have played some good cricket, but also been vulnerable” ahead of their T20I series. Most recent game: Cook criticized Netherlands’ batting after losing to Bangladesh on August 30, 2025, saying “Playing 47 dot balls was criminal”. Ryan Cook is stepping down as head coach of the Netherlands men's team with immediate effect, the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) has confirmed. The update came after Cook and his partner Emma gave birth to their second child recently. Heino Kuhn, the former South Africa international who served as batting coach under Cook, will be the interim coach and helm the team for their upcoming Cricket World Cup League 2 matches. "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. Added High Performance Technical Director duties in contract extension. Responsibilities: Long-term strategy for national teams + A sides, oversee Academy philosophy, design coach pathway, build talent system. Cook’s quote: “We have forged a close-knit group… I look forward to leading this group to even greater heights”. Bottom line: Cook didn’t step down – he stepped up. He went from interim in 2022 to full-time coach, then extended + expanded his role in Sept 2024. He’s still leading the Dutch men’s team as of the Bangladesh series in Aug 2025. "Ryan has been instrumental in the growth of this team and Dutch cricket as a whole over the past four years," Netherlands captain Scott Edwards said. "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." Netherlands are currently in third place, behind USA and Scotland, on the CWC League 2 table after 114 matches.