PCB Seeks Bowling Coach After Noffke Move

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has advertised for a new bowling coach for the national men’s team shortly after the Netherlands Cricket Board announced the appointment of Ashley Noffke as its new head coach.

Noffke, who currently serves as Pakistan’s white-ball bowling coach, has been appointed by the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) on an initial two-year contract that will run until the end of 2028. He will take charge of the Netherlands men’s team as it prepares for its qualification campaigns for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup.

The Netherlands Cricket Board announced Noffke’s appointment on Wednesday. The development came as a surprise, as there had been no clear indication in recent days that the Australian coach was preparing to leave his position with Pakistan.

Shortly after the Netherlands announcement, the PCB published an advertisement seeking applications for the position of bowling coach for the Pakistan men’s national cricket team.

Although the PCB advertisement does not specifically mention Noffke or confirm his departure, the timing of the announcement suggests that the board is preparing to fill the bowling coach position following his appointment by the Netherlands.

Noffke is currently part of Pakistan’s coaching staff and is travelling with the national contingent for the upcoming Asian Games cricket competition. Pakistan’s men’s team is scheduled to depart from Karachi on Thursday for the event.

The PCB has outlined several requirements for candidates interested in the bowling coach position. The board is seeking an experienced professional with a minimum Level III Cricket Coaching Accreditation and at least five years of experience working in a similar role with elite cricketers or national or international teams.

The successful candidate will be expected to work with Pakistan’s national men’s team and contribute to the development and performance of the country’s bowling resources across international formats.

Noffke joined Pakistan’s backroom staff in 2025 as assistant coach and bowling lead. He worked alongside head coach Mike Hesson as part of the coaching setup responsible for preparing the national team for international assignments.

Before joining Pakistan, Noffke had extensive coaching experience in Australia and worked with professional and domestic players. His responsibilities with Pakistan included overseeing the bowling group, helping develop individual bowlers and contributing to tactical preparations for white-ball cricket.

His appointment as Netherlands head coach represents a change in role and responsibility, as he will now be tasked with leading an international side rather than working specifically with its bowling department.

The Netherlands are preparing for a busy international cycle, with qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup among the major objectives during Noffke’s initial contract.

For Pakistan, the PCB’s decision to advertise the bowling coach position comes at an important stage of the national team’s international calendar. The board will now have to identify a replacement capable of managing the bowling department and working within the existing coaching structure.

The PCB has invited applications for the position, with candidates required to submit their applications by October 8. The board is expected to assess candidates based on their coaching qualifications, international or elite-level experience and ability to work with Pakistan’s national bowling resources.