The Netherlands have officially announced their squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Scott Edwards continuing as captain. This marks the Dutch side’s first T20 squad since their Bangladesh tour and includes several notable changes, signalling a strategic shift toward experience, form, and versatility.
The headline inclusion is Shakib Zulfiqar, returning to international cricket after last featuring in July of the previous year. His comeback has generated significant attention, given his proven all-round capabilities. Team management believe Shakib’s experience with both bat and ball will be vital in high-pressure World Cup encounters, providing balance to the middle order and additional bowling options.
Alongside Shakib, experienced campaigners Roelof van der Merwe, Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt, and Jack Lyon-Caché have also been recalled. These players last played in the European regional finals, before the Netherlands toured Bangladesh with a largely different squad. Their return reflects the selectors’ focus on tournament experience and tactical flexibility.
Veteran all-rounder Colin Ackermann, aged 34, is back after last playing T20 internationals in November 2024. In the 2025 Vitality Blast, he scored 304 runs in 14 matches for Durham, demonstrating consistency and the ability to anchor the middle order while contributing with the ball.
Fast bowler Tim van der Gugten, also 34, has returned to the T20 squad for the first time since 2024, following six wickets in ten Vitality Blast matches. Medium-fast bowler Logan van Beek, absent from international cricket since July 2024, impressed in New Zealand’s Super Smash, taking five wickets in seven games.
The squad also includes Kyle Klein and Noah Croes, who are yet to make their T20 World Cup debuts. Croes will serve as Edwards’ backup wicketkeeper, adding depth to a crucial position.
Several players from the Bangladesh series—Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle, and Vikramjit Singh—have been left out, along with Cedric de Lange, Sikandar Zulfiqar, Sebastian Braat, Daniel Doram, Shariz Ahmad, and Ryan Klein.
Head coach Ryan Cook will be supported by assistant coaches Ryan van Niekerk and Heino Kuhn. The Netherlands have been drawn in Group A, facing Pakistan, Namibia, the United States, and hosts India.
Netherlands Group A Fixtures
| Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 7 February | Colombo |
| Namibia | 10 February | Delhi |
| United States | 13 February | Chennai |
| India | 18 February | Ahmedabad |
Netherlands Squad
Scott Edwards (captain), Noah Croes, Max O’Dowd, Shakib Zulfiqar, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt, Jack Lyon-Caché, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Tim van der Gugten.
With a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, the Netherlands will look to leverage Shakib Zulfiqar’s experience to make a strong impact in the 2026 T20 World Cup.