The Netherlands cricket team unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Scott Edwards will captain the side. This team brings back several familiar faces, including Roelof van der Merwe and Bas de Leede, as they prepare for the global tournament.
The squad selection shows a clear focus on experience. The Dutch hope this blend helps them navigate a tough group stage. They’ve made their intentions clear: compete hard.
Squad Features Key Returnees
The full list of players includes: Scott Edwards (captain), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, and Saqib Zulfiqar. That’s a strong mix.
Roelof van der Merwe, Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt, and Zach Lion-Cachet are back on the international stage. They last played in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Region qualifiers. These players offer good tournament experience. Their presence should help the Netherlands in India and Sri Lanka.
Apparently, Indian-origin opening batter Vikramjit Singh was dropped from the squad. Sources say this was after a poor run of form in recent T20I series.
Coach Cook Confident in Preparations
Head coach Ryan Cook spoke about the team’s readiness. He likes the squad depth. Cook stated,
“With experience in the past few World Cups, having played against all of the teams in our group recently and having exposure to the conditions in Sri Lanka and India, we are confident in our preparations over the past few months.”
He knows the conditions matter.
Cook also highlighted the squad’s versatility. He thinks their options will work well against the opposition. And the conditions in Asia will be a factor. He added,
“Our squad has depth and variety in options which we feel will be effective against the opposition and in these conditions as well experience which will be important as we look to advance through the group stages.”
He praised the players and staff for their hard work, per ICC Cricket.
Group A Challenge and History
The Netherlands landed in Group A. They’re with Pakistan, Namibia, USA, and defending champions India. This group is tough. But it also offers chances to upset bigger teams.
They qualified through the Europe Qualifiers, alongside Italy. This marks their seventh T20 World Cup appearance. Their first was in 2009. They famously beat hosts England in that opening game. You know, they’ve done it before.
And their T20 World Cup history includes other big moments. Like the 2014 upset win over England by 45 runs, ESPN reported. The Flying Dutchmen can deliver surprises.
Their schedule starts against Pakistan on February 7 in Colombo. Then they play Namibia in Delhi on February 10, USA in Chennai on February 13, and India in Ahmedabad on February 18, according to Cricket.one.
Preparation and Outlook
The squad has recent experience playing all teams in their group. And they’ve trained in conditions similar to Sri Lanka and India. This preparation is a big part of their strategy. It means they’ve done their homework.
Bringing back veterans and mixing them with other players gives a balanced squad. They need that to handle T20 pressure. Depth in batting, bowling, and all-rounders means flexibility. That’s key for tournament play.
The team will look to build on recent form. They want to get past the group stages. And maybe make a deep run. It won’t be easy. But they’re ready to fight.
Soureesh Datta 
Sagnik Banerjee 
Priyanjan Paul