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The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have decided to postpone the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League ODI series scheduled for end May 2021 between The Netherlands and England, to May 2022.
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.
The participation of The Netherlands in the ICC competition, as the only Associate Member, is an enormous challenge for Dutch cricket, and the home matches versus England would be a great chance to put cricket on the map in the country.
Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men’s Cricket, 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.”
Roland Lefebvre – High-Performance Manager, KNCB, said:
“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.”