KNCB has announced the appointment of Anton Roux as interim head coach of the Netherlands men's cricket team. Roux will assume the role when national head coach Ryan Cook is unavailable due to other commitments.

The appointment follows the recent departure of Ryan van Niekerk, who had previously served as head coach in Cook's absence, after Van Niekerk accepted a position with Sri Lanka. Seeking to fill the role with an experienced and high-quality coach, the KNCB turned to a familiar face in Dutch cricket.

Roux previously served as head coach of the Netherlands men's team at both the 2014 and 2016 ICC T20 World Cups, bringing well-established knowledge of the setup and the challenges of international cricket at the highest level. His earlier career included a stint as player-coach of ACC in 2005 and 2006, as well as coaching roles at several clubs across South Africa.

Roux has accumulated a wealth of experience across the globe. He has held coaching positions with Otago, New Zealand A, and the Black Caps, as well as English county side Nottinghamshire. His expertise has also taken him to Sri Lanka as fielding coach, to the Galle Marvels as bowling coach, and to the South African national setup in a bowling coach capacity. Most recently, he served as fielding coach of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.

The KNCB is confident that Roux's breadth of international experience makes him an excellent fit to support the team during Cook's periodic absences, ensuring continuity and stability within the Netherlands men's cricket programme.

Speaking to the KNCB Roux said, “This opportunity has come at a time that fits really well for a lot of reasons. My coaching journey has taken me and my family around the world, but my connection with Dutch cricket has always stayed strong."

"Since first arriving at ACC in 2005, the Netherlands has become a big part of my life. My wife, Willemijn, is Dutch, I’ve become a Dutch citizen, and our two sons are Dutch, one of whom attends Dutch school once a week in Cape Town, so it means a great deal on a personal level to be back in the Netherlands.”

“I’m really grateful and honoured for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to meeting the players and getting started. Coaching your home country is always special, it just means that much more on a personal level. I’ve always admired Dutch cricket and the journey the men in orange have been on over the past two decades. I’m proud to have played a small part in that in the past, and I’m excited to reconnect with some familiar faces. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to building on the great work Ryan Cook, Ryan van Niekerk, the staff, and the team have done, and to playing my part in helping the group keep moving forward during an important period.”

National men’s coach Cook added, "The Netherlands men’s team has an important and busy upcoming summer and it is great to welcome Anton into the structure to lead the program. He brings with him a deep connection to the Netherlands and experience from around the world in various roles which will be able to help the team in various ways. We look forward to the contribution he can make in preparing and taking the team to the World Cup League 2 Series in Canada.”