The Netherlands‘ 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with some notable players missing out on selection.
Notable omissions in Netherlands’ T20 World Cup 2024 squad
The biggest surprise is the absence of all-rounders Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe. Both players were instrumental in the Netherlands’ qualification for the World Cup through the qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Ackermann, a powerful batsman and handy off-spinner, holds the record for the best bowling figures in a T20 match for a Dutch cricketer. Van der Merwe, a South African-born player, brings experience and guile with his left-arm spin.
Reports suggest both players made themselves unavailable for selection, choosing to fulfil their county commitments instead. Their absence leaves a significant hole in the Dutch batting and bowling attack, particularly their spin department.
Brandon Glover, on the other hand, was not considered for selection as he focused on his return after an injury, whereas Timm van der Gugten was sidelined due to a calf injury.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 Complete Schedule – Teams, Groups, Dates, Match Timings & Venues
Scott Edwards continue to lead the Dutch side
With these key players missing, the onus will be on skipper Scott Edwards and the likes of batsman Stephan Myburgh and pace bowler Logan van Beek to carry the Dutch challenge.
The Netherlands find themselves in Group D alongside Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh and Nepal. Their opening match is against Sri Lanka on June 11 in New York.
Netherland squad for T20 World Cup 2024
Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Daniel Doram, Fred Klaassen, Logan van Beek, Max O’Dowd, Michael Levitt, Paul van Meekeren, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Sybrand Engelbrecht, Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle, Vikramjit Singh, Vivian Kingma, Wesley Barresi
Travelling reserve: Kyle Klein