Ryan Cook, head coach of the Netherlands cricket team, made his long-awaited return to Bangladesh this week and his reintroduction to Sylhet came with both drama and determination.
The Dutch coach, who served as Bangladesh’s fielding coach between 2018 and 2021, is now back in a new role, leading his side into a three-match T20 series against the Tigers beginning on 30 August in Sylhet.
But before a ball was bowled, Cook managed to steal the headlines for an unusual reason: he briefly went missing.
At the Sylhet International Stadium’s media centre, journalists had been waiting for Cook after Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons had finished his briefing. The Dutch press conference was scheduled for 5:30 pm, then brought forward to 5:20 pm. Yet it began 36 minutes late.
Media manager Coore Rutgers scurried around in search of his coach one moment near the dressing room, the next on the field, then back at the media centre. He repeatedly apologised to reporters, who themselves began asking, “Where did Ryan Cook go?”
Just before six o’clock, relief arrived. Cook walked into the press room with Rutgers, who looked visibly grateful to have finally found him. The reason for the delay was later clarified: Cook had been called into a discussion with the match referee, which he had not communicated to his manager.
Cook, however, brushed off the fuss with a smile, visibly pleased to be back in familiar surroundings.
“Coming here again feels great. So many memories,” Cook said. “I’m seeing a lot of familiar faces, not just among the players, but also coaches and administrators. The Dutch also have good memories at this ground. It feels really good.”
Since leaving his BCB role, Cook has been in charge of the Netherlands national side from 2022. He knows the challenge ahead is steep, but he also sees opportunity.
The Netherlands are playing a bilateral series in Bangladesh for the first time. Their last meeting here came during the 2011 ODI World Cup. In international T20s, the two teams have met five times, Bangladesh winning four and the Dutch once.
Cook acknowledged Bangladesh’s rise, particularly their recent series victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but he also noted weaknesses.
“In T20 cricket, any side can beat anyone on the day,” he said. “Bangladesh have been playing very good cricket, but those series also showed they have vulnerabilities. We have confidence that we can play well and challenge them.”
He added: “Of course, they have very good players and at home they are tough to beat. It will be a big challenge for our boys. But if we thought we couldn’t win, we wouldn’t have come here. In the World Cup too, if we’re in the same group, we’ll want to beat them.”
The three-match series will be played in Sylhet on 30 August, 1 September and 3 September.