Dutch Cricket Board says ‘NO’ to England vs Netherlands series

Due to the continuing uncertainty arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) has postponed the ODI series between England and the Netherlands.

According to the Dutch Cricket Board, the series was scheduled in May next year, however, it was postponed to May 2022.  The Cricket Board in its statement, said “The continuing uncertainty regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the far-reaching consequences pertaining to the Organisation of the three matches were the reason for further consultation between the KNCB and ECB.”

“The prospect of having to play these matches with hardly any or no spectators at all, was not a viable option for the KNCB, and the ECB showed their understanding of this situation.”

“The participation of the Netherlands in this ICC competition as the only Associate Member “would have been a great chance to put cricket on the map in the country next year”.

“The series versus England would have been the first in the Super League for Dutch cricket, as in 2020 the three ODIs against Pakistan were already canceled due to the pandemic.”

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan’s tour to the Netherlands postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was taken in light of the Dutch government’s decision to ban all sports and cultural events confirming the country will host no international cricket this summer.

Pakistan team was due to visit Netherlands for a three-match ODI series before a full tour of England, with the games slated to be played in Amstelveen on 4, 7, and 9 July.

Netherlands was also due to host New Zealand for a one-off T20I on 15 June, but that has also been pushed back indefinitely.