In a recurring plea during the T20 World Cup, Netherlands allrounder Bas de Leede has reiterated his call for “more and more opportunities” for associate nations to compete against the big cricketing powers. The player emphasized that such exposure is crucial for the growth and development of teams like the Netherlands.
De Leede played a pivotal role in securing the Netherlands’ only victory at the tournament — a win over Namibia, where he scored an unbeaten 72 and took 2 for 20. Throughout the tournament, he consistently showcased his talent, including a recent 23-ball 33 against India from the No. 3 position. Despite his efforts, the Netherlands fell short in their match against India, finishing 17 runs behind.
Expressing his hope that his teammates could enjoy the “once in a lifetime opportunity” of playing in front of a large crowd in Ahmedabad, de Leede stressed the importance of facing top-tier teams. “We’ve shown at what level Associate cricket is at the moment, we can only ask for more and more opportunities against the big teams. That’s how we’re going to improve as a collective,” he said.
While de Leede acknowledged the financial motivations behind scheduling matches between major nations, he urged that the conversation not fade after the World Cup. He proposed alternative formats such as a tri-nation series involving the Netherlands and two Full Members, referencing a recent post about a European T20 series with England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands. “There are a lot of options. We saw how close Italy pushed England. Hopefully, this World Cup can spark more attention for associate nations,” he added.
The player also suggested that touring England for short series could be beneficial, allowing teams to play warm-up games against European associates before heading to England. “With the busy schedules and franchise leagues, finding windows for full series is tough. But teams could play warm-ups in the Netherlands or Scotland first,” he explained.
De Leede’s commitment to Netherlands is further exemplified by his recent decision to forego a county deal in England in order to dedicate himself fully to his national team, highlighting the resilience and ambition of associate cricketers. He pointed out that addressing issues like funding, infrastructure, and opportunities — possibly through initiatives like a European T20 League — is vital for the growth of associate nations.
As the current campaign concludes, de Leede is focused on returning home for more training camps and pathways to the next World Cup in Africa, reaffirming his dedication to elevating Dutch cricket on the global stage.
