PCB advertises bowling coach role after Noffke joins Netherlands

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened the search for a new bowling coach for the national men’s team, shortly after current white-ball bowling coach Ashley Noffke was appointed head coach of the Netherlands.

The development emerged on Wednesday after the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) announced Noffke’s appointment on an initial two-year contract running until the end of 2028.

Noffke is set to take charge of the Netherlands during its qualification campaigns for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup, giving the Australian coach a new challenge in international cricket.

His move came somewhat unexpectedly, as there had been no public indication in recent days that he was preparing to leave Pakistan’s coaching setup.

Soon after the Netherlands announcement, however, the PCB advertised the position of bowling coach for the men’s national side. The advertisement does not specifically mention Noffke or confirm his departure, but the timing points to a change in the team’s coaching structure.

The PCB is seeking an experienced candidate capable of working with elite-level cricketers. Applicants must hold at least Level III Cricket Coaching Accreditation and have a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar position with elite players or national or international teams.

Applications for the post will remain open until October 8.

Noffke joined Pakistan’s backroom staff in 2025 as an assistant coach and bowling lead, working alongside head coach Mike Hesson. Since then, he has been involved in the development and preparation of Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly in the white-ball formats.

The coaching change comes at an important stage for Pakistan, with the team continuing its preparations for upcoming international assignments. Noffke is also currently part of Pakistan’s contingent for the Asian Games cricket competition, with the men’s team scheduled to depart from Karachi on Thursday.

His appointment by the Netherlands means Pakistan’s coaching setup could soon enter a new phase, with the PCB now tasked with finding a replacement who can work closely with the national bowling group.

The board’s decision to advertise the position also provides an opportunity to bring in a coach with extensive international or elite-level experience as Pakistan looks to strengthen its bowling resources.

For now, Noffke remains part of Pakistan’s Asian Games contingent, while the PCB’s recruitment process is expected to determine who will take over the bowling coach role.