Former Australia cricketer Ashley Noffke has stepped down as Pakistan’s white-ball bowling coach after being appointed head coach of the Netherlands on a two-year contract.
Noffke had been part of Pakistan’s coaching set-up for around 16 months and has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of his decision to leave the role.
However, the former Australian pacer will remain involved with Pakistan for the 2026 Asian Games, where the men’s team will enter the competition at the quarter-final stage on September 28.
Noffke, 49, represented Australia in one ODI and two T20Is during his playing career before moving into coaching. He has since held several coaching positions across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the UK.
The Australian will succeed Ryan Cook as Netherlands head coach and will be tasked with guiding the Dutch side through their World Cup qualification campaigns in both white-ball formats.
The departure leaves the PCB searching for a new bowling coach for the Pakistan men’s team, and the board has already advertised the vacant position.
According to the PCB, applicants must hold Level 3 cricket coaching accreditation and have at least five years of coaching experience. Candidates can submit their applications until October 8.
Noffke was initially appointed Pakistan’s bowling coach in May 2025 as part of the coaching structure led by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
He was subsequently handed additional responsibility as Pakistan’s interim Test bowling coach during the team’s tour of England in September 2026 following changes to the coaching set-up midway through the series.
The PCB replaced Umar Gul with Noffke after Pakistan suffered defeats in the opening two Tests against England at Headingley and Lord’s.
Pakistan went on to lose the third Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets, completing a 3-0 series whitewash.
