The KNCB has announced that current Vanuatu Cricket CEO Shane Deitz has been appointed as full time head coach of the Netherlands women’s team from 1st March on a two-year contract.

Deitz’s remit will also include youth women’s national teams and a wider remit developing women’s cricket throughout the country.

He has been CEO of Vanuatu Cricket for a number of years and has also played for the country on ten occasions. The appointment will be a major loss to Vanuatu cricket with the 45 year-old having been so crucial in their progression in recent years.

The appointment represents a return to the Netherlands for Deitz, who played for HCC in 2007 and then for HBS in 2008 and 2013. His career has also seen him play club cricket in England in addition to an almost ten year stint with South Australia.

(Shane Deitz)

In a KNCB press release, Deitz said, “I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with the Netherlands women’s team. The KNCB have big ambitions, as do I, and that’s what excites me most about this challenge.

"The current global T20 ranking doesn’t reflect the talent in the squad so we need to change that. The women’s game globally is getting more and more competitive, so we must be always working hard and looking to get better each day and the results will take care of themselves.

"I’ve been playing and watching Dutch cricket since 2007 and to work for the KNCB is something I’ve always wanted to do. I can’t wait to get over there and get over there and get to work.”

KNCB High Performance Manager Roland Lefebvre is pleased with the appointment, saying in the press release, “The KNCB is happy to announce Shane Deitz as the new Netherlands women’s head coach.

"These are exciting times for women’s cricket, with the ICC putting a lot of emphasis on the development and growth of the women’s game worldwide. The appointment of Shane confirms the KNCB’s strategic plans for women’s cricket.

"He brings a great deal of experience with him, which will benefit the talented group of Dutch players and we can’t wait for him to start”