Netherlands T20 World Cup Squad Features Shakib

The Netherlands has officially announced its squad for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, with Scott Edwards set to lead the team as captain. This marks the first full-fledged T20 squad for the Dutch team following their recent tour of Bangladesh. Several changes have been made compared to the previous squad, introducing both returning veterans and promising newcomers.

The biggest talking point is the return of Shakib Zulfikar, who has not played an international match since July last year. His inclusion is being viewed as a significant boost for the team, bringing experience and leadership to the middle order.

Other notable inclusions include Colin Ackermann, 34, who last featured in a T20 international in November 2024. In the 2025 Vitality Blast, he scored 304 runs in 14 matches for Durham, demonstrating his consistent form in domestic competitions. Tim van der Gugten, also 34, returns to the squad for the first time since 2024, having taken six wickets in ten Blast matches.

Medium-fast bowler Logan van Beek has also made a comeback, having played his last international in July 2024. He impressed in New Zealand’s Super Smash, taking five wickets in seven matches for Wellington. Meanwhile, newcomers Kyle Klein and Noah Croos have been drafted, with Croos serving as Edwards’ backup wicketkeeper despite having yet to play in a T20 World Cup.

Several players who featured in the Bangladesh series, including Teja Nidamanuru, Tim Pringle, and Vikramjit Singh, have been left out, along with Cedric de Lange, Sikandar Zulfikar, Sebastian Braat, Daniel Doram, Shariz Ahmed, and Ryan Klein.

The team’s coaching setup is led by head coach Ryan Cook, supported by assistant coaches Ryan van Niekerk and Heino Kuhn.

The Netherlands will compete in Group A, facing Pakistan, Namibia, the United States, and India. Their opening fixture against Pakistan is scheduled for 7 February in Colombo, followed by Namibia on 10 February in Delhi, the United States on 13 February in Chennai, and India on 18 February in Ahmedabad.

Key Players and Stats:

Netherlands Squad: Scott Edwards, Noah Croos, Max O’Dowd, Shakib Zulfikar, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren, Fred Klaassen, Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede, Michael Levit, Jack Lyon-Cash, Logan van Beek, Rolof van der Merwe, Tim van der Gugten.