The Netherlands have unveiled their squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, marking a fresh chapter for the Dutch side under the leadership of captain Scott Edwards. This is the Netherlands’ first T20 squad announcement since their tour of Bangladesh, and it reflects a clear shift in strategy, blending experience with selective continuity after a period of mixed results.
The most eye-catching inclusion is the return of Shakib Zulfiqar. The all-rounder has not featured in any international match since July last year, making his recall one of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad. Despite his absence from the international arena, team management appear confident that Shakib’s experience, composure in pressure situations and ability to contribute with both bat and ball will add much-needed balance to the middle order.
Several senior players have also been recalled after missing the Bangladesh tour. Roelof van der Merwe, Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt and Jack Lyon-Cachet last represented the Netherlands in the Europe Regional Final. Their return signals a renewed emphasis on tournament experience as the Dutch prepare for a challenging World Cup group.
All-rounder Colin Ackermann, 34, has also earned a place in the squad after last playing a T20 international in November 2024. Ackermann impressed during the 2025 Vitality Blast, scoring 304 runs in 14 matches for Durham, form that clearly strengthened his case for selection. Fellow 34-year-old Tim van der Gugten is another notable inclusion, returning to the T20 side for the first time since 2024 after taking six wickets in ten Blast matches.
Medium-fast bowler Logan van Beek has also been recalled. He last played for the Netherlands in July 2024 and subsequently featured in New Zealand’s Super Smash, where he claimed five wickets in seven matches for Wellington. His return adds depth and variety to the Dutch pace attack.
Kyle Klein and Noah Croes have both been named in the squad, although neither has yet played a T20 World Cup match. Croes will serve as Edwards’ back-up wicketkeeper. Meanwhile, several players from the Bangladesh series — including Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle and Vikramjit Singh — have been left out, alongside Cedric de Lange, Sikander Zulfiqar, Sebastian Braat, Daniel Doram, Shariz Ahmad and Ryan Klein.
Ryan Cook continues as head coach, supported by assistants Ryan van Niekerk and former international cricketer Heino Kuhn. Their task will be to ensure cohesion within a reshaped squad ahead of a demanding group stage.
The Netherlands have been placed in Group A, where they will face Pakistan, Namibia, the United States and hosts India — a formidable set of opponents that will test the depth and resilience of the side.
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 T20 World Cup 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-Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Tim van der Gugten.
With a combination of returning veterans and emerging players, the Netherlands will hope this carefully balanced squad can deliver competitive performances on the world stage and potentially spring a surprise in Group A.