Netherlands announce squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026

AMSTERDAM (Web Desk) – The Netherlands have announced their squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be staged in Sri Lanka and India from 7 February.

The Dutch side will again be led by Scott Edwards, who also captained the team at the previous edition of the tournament, continuing a leadership role that has brought stability and consistency to the national side in recent years.

The selection blends experienced campaigners with players who have been part of the international set-up over the past two seasons, reflecting the team management’s intention to balance continuity with competitive depth. The Netherlands have been placed in Group A, where they will face Pakistan, India, the United States and Namibia, setting up a challenging opening phase in one of the tournament’s most competitive pools.

Edwards will also take on his dual role as captain and wicketkeeper, a position he has held with distinction in white-ball cricket. His leadership will be supported by a core group of players who have featured prominently in the Netherlands’ recent ICC campaigns and bilateral series.

The 15-member squad includes: Scott Edwards (captain, wicketkeeper), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zack Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Tim van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren and Saqib Zulfiqar.

 Finally. Yes. It’s here.

Right on time. Our Men’s @T20World squad is locked in

opening vs @TheRealPCB on 7 Feb, then taking on @usacricket , @CricketNamibia1 and the reigning champions India on one of the biggest stages in world cricket pic.twitter.com/A9zw3pkOWs

— CricketNetherlands (@KNCBcricket) January 12, 2026

Several of these players bring extensive experience from international cricket and global T20 leagues, while others have steadily built their profiles through consistent performances over the past two years. All-rounders such as Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek and Roelof van der Merwe offer balance across batting and bowling, while the pace attack will be spearheaded by Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein and Tim van der Gugten.

At the top of the order, Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt are expected to provide stability and intent, while middle-order options such as Colin Ackermann and Scott Edwards add experience and adaptability in pressure situations. Aryan Dutt and Saqib Zulfiqar strengthen the spin department, which is likely to play a crucial role on the subcontinental pitches of Sri Lanka and India.

The Netherlands will be coached by Ryan Cook, with Ryan van Nierkerk and Hino Kuhn serving as assistant coaches. The coaching group has overseen a period of steady growth for Dutch cricket, particularly in the T20 format, where the side has earned a reputation for upsetting higher-ranked teams in ICC events.

Pakistan's potential squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 revealed

Speaking after the squad announcement, head coach Ryan Cook said the team had a range of tactical and playing options capable of being effective against a variety of opponents. He highlighted the importance of experience, particularly in a demanding group stage, as the Netherlands aim to progress beyond the opening round of the competition.

With Pakistan and India in the same group, along with Namibia and the United States, the Dutch face a tightly packed schedule against teams with contrasting styles and conditions. The squad selection reflects an effort to cover all bases, from power hitting and athletic fielding to varied bowling combinations suited to Asian pitches.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to draw significant global attention, with matches across Sri Lanka and India providing a diverse range of conditions. For the Netherlands, the tournament represents another opportunity to showcase the country’s growing strength in international T20 cricket and to build on the momentum created in recent ICC events.