Ryan Cook Steps Down as Netherlands Head Coach, Heino Kuhn Named Interim

Overview

• The Royal Dutch Cricket Association announced Thursday that Ryan Cook stepped down with immediate effect after the birth of his second child and his decision to prioritise family commitments.
• Batting coach Heino Kuhn, a former South Africa international, has been appointed interim head coach and will lead the Netherlands in their next Cricket World Cup League 2 matches.
• Cook’s four-year tenure, which began in May 2022, is credited with professionalising the programme and delivering landmark results including qualification for the 2022 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
• The Netherlands sit third in Cricket World Cup League 2 with 32 points from 28 matches, making coaching continuity important for their ongoing qualification push in the ICC pathway.
• KNCB chief executive Huib van Walsem and captain Scott Edwards praised Cook’s impact on player depth, culture and grassroots work, and the board has said it will start a search for a permanent successor.