Ryan Cook has stepped down as Head Coach of the Netherlands men’s cricket team with immediate effect, bringing an end to a tenure that coincided with one of the most successful periods in modern Dutch cricket. The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) confirmed the decision in an official statement, explaining that Cook chose to leave the role following the recent birth of his second child. Batting Coach Heino Kuhn has been appointed interim Head Coach and will lead the side during its upcoming Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures.
A coaching tenure that reshaped Dutch cricket
Cook took over as Netherlands Head Coach in May 2022 and oversaw a period that delivered major milestones across both white-ball formats. During his time in charge, the Netherlands secured qualification for the 2022 T20 World Cup after reaching the final of the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe and later advanced to the Super 12 stage in Australia, helped by memorable victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The team’s progress continued in the 50-over game as the Netherlands qualified for the 2023 ODI World Cup, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2011. They also recorded notable victories over South Africa and Bangladesh in India, while their current third-place position in the Cricket World Cup League 2 standings, with 32 points from 28 matches, keeps them firmly in contention for qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Reflecting on his departure, former Netherlands Head Coach Ryan Cook said in a KNCB statement, “Coaching the Dutch men’s team has, without a shadow of a doubt, been one of the highlights of my coaching career so far. It’s been an absolute pleasure to lead the journey towards professionalism and creating a competitive cricket team with strong values.”
Family decision brings coaching chapter to a close
The KNCB said Cook’s decision followed a significant change in his family circumstances after the arrival of his second child. The board also confirmed that Kuhn, a former South Africa international who has been serving as the Netherlands’ Batting Coach, will oversee the national side on an interim basis.
Explaining why he felt it was the right time to leave the role, Cook said in the same KNCB statement, “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.”
Tributes highlight Cook’s long-term impact
The KNCB credited Cook with making contributions that extended well beyond the senior national side, pointing to player development, coaching pathways and the wider growth of Dutch cricket during his time in charge.
Acknowledging those achievements, Huib van Walsem, KNCB Chief Executive Officer, said in a KNCB statement, “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.”
Netherlands Captain Scott Edwards also paid tribute to Cook’s influence on the squad and the culture established during his tenure. Edwards said in an official KNCB statement, “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.”
KNCB marks the transition
The governing body also shared a public farewell message through its official social media channels following the announcement of Cook’s departure.
In its official social media statement, Cricket Netherlands (KNCB) said, “Thank you, Ryan, for your outstanding contribution to Dutch cricket. We wish you, Lindsay and your family all the very best.”
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂, 𝗥𝘆𝗮𝗻 🧡
Ryan Cook has stepped down as Head Coach of the Men's National Team.
Thank you, Ryan, for your outstanding contribution to Dutch cricket. We wish you, Lindsay and your family all the very best.
Heino Kuhn will serve as Interim Head Coach.#KNCB pic.twitter.com/fQmh2s3jaa
— Cricket🏏Netherlands (@KNCBcricket) June 25, 2026
Kuhn now assumes responsibility on an interim basis as the Netherlands prepare for the next phase of their Cricket World Cup League 2 campaign, with Cook leaving behind a team that strengthened its international standing through World Cup qualification, landmark victories and sustained progress across the Dutch cricket system.
