England series against Netherlands postponed for 12 months

The news comes on the back of a difficult year for Dutch cricket; the impact of the coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of the T20 World Cup, as well as a summer schedule featuring games against Namibia, Oman, USA, Pakistan and New Zealand

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England’s ODI series against the Netherlands, which was scheduled to be played in May next year, has been postponed for 12 months.

The news comes on the back of a difficult year for Dutch cricket; the impact of the coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of the T20 World Cup, as well as a summer schedule featuring games against Namibia, Oman, USA, Pakistan and New Zealand.

Following this latest postponement, England will instead travel to the Netherlands in May 2022 to complete the three-match series which forms part of the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League, in which the Netherlands are the only associate nation, having won the ICC World Cricket League Championship between 2015 and 2017.

An ECB statement explained: “The continuing uncertainty regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the far-reaching consequences pertaining to the staging 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.”

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Famously, the Netherlands beat England in the first game of the 2009 World T20 at Lord's

Ashley Giles, England Men's Cricket managing director, said: “It is disappointing that we are unable to play the Netherlands in May in what would be England’s first visit to Holland.

“Hopefully, with the prospect of crowds returning to sport soon, we can rearrange the three matches in 2022 and showcase international cricket to capacity crowds. I am sure many fans will want to travel across from England and be part of this historic ODI series.”

KNCB high-performance manager Roland Lefebvre added: “The KNCB is disappointed for the Super League fixtures against England to be postponed. These matches would have been the biggest event in the Netherlands since the Videocon series in 2004 when India, Pakistan and Australia visited VRA Amsterdam.

“The prospect of playing the World Champions in a full house is exciting, and we look forward to welcoming the team back in 2022. We are very grateful for the cooperation we received from the ECB to make this happen.”

Image © ICC Business Corporation FZ LLC 2018

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