Pakistan Coach Resigns Ahead of Asian Games, Joins Netherlands

Pakistan’s cricket team is set for a change in its support staff ahead of its campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The team has been preparing for the tournament after a busy red-ball schedule, with the coaching staff playing an important role in getting the players ready for the competition.

However, one member of the setup will now move on to a new assignment. The development comes at a crucial time for Pakistan as they prepares to begin their Asian Games campaign just a few days later.

Ashley Noffke Resigns as Pakistan Bowling Coach

Former Australia cricketer Ashley Noffke resignation as Pakistan bowling coach has come just ahead of the team's Asian Games campaign. At the same time, he has been appointed as the Netherlands men’s head coach on a two-year contract running until the end of 2028.

Noffke joined Pakistan in May 2025 as the team’s white-ball bowling coach. The former Australia international also took on additional responsibility as interim Test bowling coach during Pakistan’s tour of England.

His final assignment with Pakistan will be the 2026 Asian Games. The men’s team is scheduled to enter the competition at the quarter-final stage on September 28.

Meanwhile, Ashley Noffke will replace Ryan Cook as Netherlands cricket team new coach and will be tasked with guiding the Dutch side through their qualification campaigns for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup.

The 49-year-old previously represented Australia in one ODI and two T20Is. Additionally, he has held coaching roles in some of the best cricket teams in the world like Australia, England, New Zealand and Asia. According to him, building relationships with the Netherlands players would be the immediate priority before focusing on tactical aspects of the job.

Pakistan Face Asian Games Challenge After England Setback

Pakistan head into the Asian Games with plenty to address after a difficult tour of England. The Test side suffered a 0-3 series defeat, with the visitors struggling for consistency across the three matches. Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in the first innings of the Edgbaston Test before England completed an eight-wicket victory to seal the clean sweep.

The Asian Games, however, offer a fresh challenge with a different squad. Pakistan’s 15-member T20I team, led by Sahibzada Farhan, includes several players yet to make their T20I debuts. The men’s tournament begins on September 24, with Pakistan entering at the quarter-final stage on September 28.

With limited international experience in the squad, Pakistan will face a demanding test in Japan. It would also be interesting to see who will join as Pakistan new bowling coach in the upcoming days. The PCB is known for its constant chopping and changing, which hasn't worked well for the team so far.