Drinnen leaves Netherlands post

Netherlands have parted company with coach Peter Drinnen just weeks before the World T20 Qualifiers in the UAE.

The Netherlands Cricket Board (KNCB) announced it would not be extending Drinnen's contract as they sought to take a "fresh approach" with the national team, including a full assessment of the backroom structure. It comes during a time where not only is Twenty20 qualification at stake for the World T20 in Bangladesh next year, but also the challenge of securing a berth at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Drinnen has been Netherlands' coach since December 2007 and was in charge of the side for their most famous day when they beat England, at Lord's, in the opening game of the 2009 World T20.

Netherlands also secured an ODI and T20 victory over Bangladesh during Drinnen's time and took part in the 2011 World Cup in the subcontinent.

However, the team currently lie bottom of the ICC Intercontinental Cup, the first-class competition below Test level, without a victory in seven matches. They finished fourth in the World Cricket League Championship, outside of the two automatic World Cup qualification spots taken by Ireland and Afghanistan.

Anton Roux, Drinnen's assistant, will take charge of the team in the short term - including the WT20 Qualifiers - before the KNCB begins the process of recruiting a new head coach as well as assessing the rest of the management structure.

Drinnen said: "It is with great sadness that I part company with the KNCB and the national team after six great years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the guys, a great bunch of blokes, and a squad that has changed over the years.

"I would like to thank the KNCB for all the support they have given me during this time. Personally and professionally I feel now is the right time to look at new challenges and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead."

Board member Jeroen Smits, the former Netherlands captain, added: "Peter has been instrumental in the fortunes of Dutch cricket and has made many positive additions to the national team and its professionalism.

"Not only are we saying goodbye to a coach but also a super person. All things come to an end at some point and coaching is no different although Peter performed many more duties than just coaching in his role.

"We wish him well for him and his family's future and thank him for his personal drive and passion for Dutch cricket for he has played a key role in our successes in recent years. More information on the future structure of the Dutch coaching set-up will be announced in the coming months, but for now our focus is on the team and the World T20 qualifier in the Emirates in November."