KNCB bids farewell to Ryan van Niekerk as he takes on new challenge with Sri Lanka Cricket

The KNCB and the Netherlands Men’s National Cricket Team have always prided themselves on building a programme rooted in trust, shared values, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It is within that spirit that the KNCB says goodbye to Ryan van Niekerk, who joined the KNCB in 2022 and has been an integral pillar of Dutch cricket ever since.

Ryan arrived at a pivotal moment for the Netherlands. He brought with him not just exceptional technical knowledge as a bowling coach, but something rarer and more enduring: an ability to connect. From his very first days in the orange, Ryan helped shape a culture within the squad that went beyond cricket. 

Ryan van Niekerk: “My time with this team has been one of incredible privilege and learning. The relationships that have formed and learnings taken are hard to put into words, but I would like thank everyone for their commitment, connection and resilience over the three years I was lucky to be a part of this team. I look forward to seeing the team continue growing, just from a little further away. Keep playing total cricket.”

KNCB Board Member Sybrand Engelbrecht comments: “We’re very sad to see Ryan go, but we are equally proud that the quality of his work in the Netherlands has caught the attention of a Full Member nation. Sri Lanka Cricket are gaining a truly exceptional coach, and we have no doubt that Ryan will make his mark on the international stage in every format of the game. We wish Ryan every success in this exciting new chapter of his career.”

For more information please contact:

Pieter Seelaar, pieter.seelaar@kncb.nl