ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018, Zimbabwe, Scotland, ODI Status, Windies, ICC World Cup 2019
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Just days before the commencement of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, captain of the Netherlands cricket team, Peter Borren felt optimistic regarding their chances to feature in the main event of ODI cricket next year.

The Dutch had been a regular feature in all the major multi-lateral events during the first decade of the 21st century. The Netherlands took part in the World Cup of 2003, 2007, and Champions Trophy of 2006.

Netherlands optimistic about featuring in the World Cup of 2019
Desert T20 Challenge match between Netherlands and Oman. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Although, the highlight of their cricketing history came during the World T20 of 2009 where they defeated hosts England during the league matches.

Compared to other associate nations such as Afghanistan, cricket in Holland has stagnated in recent years. One of the major reasons for this stagnation is country’s conflict with the premier sport, Soccer.

ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018, Zimbabwe, Scotland, ODI Status, Windies, ICC World Cup 2019
ICC World Cup Qualifier 2018: Netherlands is expected to earn the 50-over status. Photo Credit: Getty Images (Representation).

Interestingly, the Dutch did not qualify for the upcoming Soccer World Cup in Russia as well as the European Championship of 2016.

I won’t deny that cricket is under pressure in the Netherlands. This is perhaps mainly because we have to compete more-and-more with football,” commented the Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond (KNCB) official Alex de la Mar according to AFP.

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In the football-mad Netherlands youngsters who show talent in both sports are often forced to make a choice at a very young age as sports are not played in schools but at clubs. Unfortunately, many of them choose football,” claimed the greatest all-rounders produced from the country, Tim de Leede, who is also the coach of the national team.

Netherlands optimistic about featuring in the World Cup of 2019
Tim de Leede of Netherlands (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Coach Campbell, on the other hand, pointed out the financial aspect of the dying sport in the country. Campbell reckons it would be difficult to compete with top teams without any funding from main sponsors.

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We want to be more than just the 13th team: Peter Borren

It’s very simple… it’s money. I hate to say it but money changes everything. You need cash for us to play more, to improve facilities and get the support of players if you wish to compete constantly on the world stage,” stated Campbell.

Netherlands optimistic about featuring in the World Cup of 2019
Peter Borren. Credits: (Espncricinfo)

The ICC World Cup Qualifiers will see the bottom placed teams in the rankings compete for the two spots up for grabs in the World Cup of 2019, starting March 4.

 

This will be our chance to show the world that we want to be more than just the 13th team. What better stage for us to shine,” suggested captain Borren.

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