England tour of the Netherlands for an ODI series, which was slated for May 2021 has been postponed due to uncertainties regarding the covid-19 pandemic. The Dutch were supposed to host their neighbour for 3 ODIs. The series is now scheduled for May 2022.
The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) made this decision as spectators will not be allowed in the stadium. KNCB expected to have sell-out crowds but due to the covid-19 restrictions, fans will not be allowed in the stadium, hence, the board couldn’t make significant profits.
A joint statement released by the KNBC and ECB read, “The home matches versus England would be a great chance to put cricket on the map in the country. The prospect of having to play these matches with hardly any or no spectators at all was not a viable option for the KNCB, and the ECB showed their understanding of this situation.”
Would have been England’s first visit to the Netherlands: Ashley Giles
Ashley Giles, the Managing Director of England men’s cricket, feels disappointed that they would not be able to play the Netherlands next year in what was the first tour of the Three Lions to the Dutch. Giles is positive that the crowds will return soon to the stadiums in the UK, and they could rearrange a visit to their neighbours.
Ashley Giles said, “It is disappointing that we are unable to play the Netherlands in May in what would be England’s first visit to Holland. Hopefully, with the prospect of crowds returning to sport soon, we can rearrange the three matches in 2022 and showcase international cricket to capacity crowds. I am sure many fans will want to travel across from England and be part of this historic ODI series.”
England and Holland have faced each other only 5 times in the ICC tournaments- out of which the Netherlands has surprisingly beaten them in 2 T20 World Cup matches.
Currently, the 2019 World Champions team is in South Africa. Eoin Morgan’s side will take on Quinton de Kock’s eleven for 3 T20Is starting 27th November followed by 3 ODIs.
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