Netherlands name experienced squad for 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka

Led by Scott Edwards, the Dutch will face Pakistan, Namibia, USA, and hosts India, aiming to build on past upsets with a seasoned core and proven tournament pedigree.

Netherlands cricket team players celebrating a wicket during a match, with the umpire and opposition batter in the frame.

Photo Credit: KNCB/ Gerhard van der Laarse

The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) has announced the Netherlands squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

The Dutch side, led by captain and wicketkeeper Scott Edwards, will face Pakistan, Namibia, USA, and reigning champions India in the group stage.

Experienced squad aims to make an impact

Head coach Ryan Cook has selected a seasoned squad, with most players having previously featured in one or more ICC World Cups. The Netherlands will kick off their campaign on February 7 against Pakistan in Colombo.

“With our experience from the past few World Cups, recent matches against all the teams in our group, and familiarity with the conditions in Sri Lanka and India, we are confident that our preparations over the past few months will benefit us,” said Ryan Cook.

“Our squad is deep and offers a wide range of possibilities. We’re confident they’ll be effective against our opponents and under these conditions.”

Netherlands’ 2026 T20 World Cup schedule

  • Feb 7: Pakistan vs Netherlands – 06:30 am CET / 11:00 am IST – Colombo
  • Feb 10: Netherlands vs Namibia – 06:30 am CET / 11:00 am IST – Delhi
  • Feb 13: USA vs Netherlands – 2:30 pm CET / 7:00 pm IST – Chennai
  • Feb 18: India vs Netherlands – 2:30 pm CET / 7:00 pm IST – Ahmedabad

The fixture against India at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium—with a capacity of 132,000—is expected to be a tournament highlight.

Netherlands T20 World Cup 2026 squad

  • Colin Ackermann
  • Logan van Beek
  • Noah Croes
  • Aryan Dutt
  • Scott Edwards (captain, wicketkeeper)
  • Timm van der Gugten
  • Fred Klaassen
  • Kyle Klein
  • Bas de Leede
  • Michael Levitt
  • Zach Lion-Cachet
  • Paul van Meekeren
  • Roelof van der Merwe
  • Max O’Dowd
  • Saqib Zulfiqar

Netherlands at past T20 World Cups

This marks the Netherlands’ seventh appearance at the T20 World Cup. The team has a history of punching above its weight, with famous wins over England, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in previous editions.

Year Notable Moments Host Nation
2009 Historic win over England at Lord’s England
2014 Wins over Ireland and England Bangladesh
2016 Second in group, beat Ireland India
2021 Three defeats in group stage UAE
2022 Super-12 wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa Australia
2024 Beat Nepal; losses to SA, BD, SL USA & West Indies
2026 TBD India & Sri Lanka

The Netherlands will look to build on past success and aim for qualification to the Super 8 stage this time around.