The KNCB wishes to announce today that CEO Richard Cox will be leaving the position after five successful years for cricket in the Netherlands.

Chairman Jacques Mulders said today : “Richard entered the post in a year where the organisation was in turbulent times at many levels and he became the third CEO in 12 months at that time. Under his guidance the KNCB has increased its finances , improved its staffing levels and became compliant as a ICC High Performing Country under the current regulations.”

“In addition to this, during his time with the KNCB the on-field successes of the National team in the ICC T20 competitions have been notable. In the last T20 World Cup we beat England and Ireland. In the ECB County championship too the Netherlands often was a respected opponent”.

“Richard is a staunch supporter of education; whether it be coaches, scorers, umpires or ground care. He was in constant pursuit of higher levels of attainment for all people interested in improving Dutch cricket. Richard also took a close interest in the development of youth and women’s cricket, contributing to the recent plans and vison for the future of the game. We have already experienced an increase of 8% growth in participants due to the work of the KNCB development Team, which was heralded by NOC*NSF. During his time as CEO the KNCB also won four ICC Development Awards. “

“The KNCB wishes Richard well in his return to the UK to be closer to his family and will look forward to seeing him regularly as he will remain a keen supporter of Dutch Cricket. He will leave his post on March 1 to return to the UK to pursue his career and we wish him well.”

Richard Cox: “I feel proud and privileged to have held the position of CEO for five years. During that time I have been welcomed and engaged with a wonderful sector of cricket people from the board to the office staff and all other cricket personnel in the Netherlands. I am now looking forward to watching the future of Dutch Cricket at every level, whether international or club, its vision and strategy, as well as the importance of the KNCB within ICC’s new world. A sound strong professional and financial base is now in place.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank all of the KNCB office staff for their support and often unheralded but tireless efforts to organise, promote and develop cricket in the Netherlands. Also to our flagship Men’s National Team and its backroom staff who lead the way on the field with their professionalism in often challenging conditions. I wish them well for 2015 and beyond and hope that many more memorable victories come our way. Finally to the KNCB Board(s) I have worked under a heartfelt respect for all that you do in challenging times and ‘sterkte’ to you all. I will miss everyone in in their own individual way, and thank you.”