The Dutch government decision on restriction of sporting events in the Netherlands during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Dutch cricket board (KNCB) to postpone all fixtures of the 2020 summer for the indefinite period, in which 5 nations (2 Full members and 3 Associate members) were scheduled to tour the country during Jun/Jul 2020.
The KNCB announced on 22nd Apr 2020 that following a ban on all sports and cultural events until Sep 01st 2020, the T20I series against New Zealand, the quadrangular ODI series with Namibia, Oman and the USA, and the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League fixtures of 3 ODI matches against Pakistan, would be affected.
Betty Timmer, Chair of KNCB, said in a statement, “It is extremely disappointing that we won’t be able to host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer. However, the health and safety of the players, staff and fans is our main priority. We truly hope that by next season the situation is under control again, so we can host the Super League series against England, Ireland and the West Indies as planned. We would love to welcome back all cricket fans on our grounds in the summer of 2021.”
Wasim Khan, CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said, “The PCB stands firmly with the KNCB and hope they will be able to overcome this [health] crisis. The Pakistan national cricket teams have always enjoyed touring the Netherlands and as soon as things return to normal, the PCB will engage with the KNCB to reschedule the tour so that we can fulfil our obligation.”
Netherlands were also forced to abandon their scheduled tour of Namibia in Mar/Apr 2020 after the global pandemic situation was on the rise. With ICC CEC meeting on 23rd Apr 2020 deciding that plans to host the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup in Oct 2020 in Australia is still ongoing, Netherlands will need to keep their hopes up for taking part in the tournament. The coaching staff had earlier announced their national squads to be ready for as soon as International cricket resumes.
