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| ODI Super league will give much needed exposure to Dutch Cricket |
Last
few days have been very special for Dutch Cricket; they are on verge of start
of something special in international cricket. Netherlands, who started their
international cricket journey in 1996, have never been able to establish
themselves among top 10 nations though they have continued to make their
presence felt. It was high time that they made a move as countries like
Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan and Nepal who started much later than them have
been doing better. This was the reason why winning the crucial 13th
Spot (ICC ODI Super League involves 13 nations only) was considered to be a
breakthrough moment for them. It insured more funds and more games with top
countries. While Covid’19 have delayed their start but now next week when they
will be playing their first game of the ODI Super league it will mark a
historic moment in country’s cricket.
Cricket
will get priority in a country which is mad about Football, Field Hockey and
Korfball as the games will be telecasted live on Dutch Television for the first
time. A huge step for a country which had somehow been able to keep itself
afloat in difficult times. Few years ago when the Dutch cricket lost their ODI
status it was said to be the end of road for the game in the country which had
been struggling to find its feet. However post 2017 they not only roared back
to get the ODI Status but also won the elusive 13th spot, the only
spot left in super league apart from 12
Test Nations. The participation in the league gives them a much need exposure
to play against top countries. They will be playing against South Africa,
England and New Zealand in next one year.
The
modern game isn’t the same as it was pre 2000; things have changed considerably
in last 20 years or so as it is more difficult to organize a game as the
expenses related to it have mounted. This is prime reason why countries like
Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe find it difficult to organise a Test match.
It is the reason why Netherlands aspiration of becoming a Test nation one day
have taken back seat and they are more focusing on building a strong white ball
team which could help in increasing the
popularity of the sports in country. A strong set of followers is very crucial
to ensure that the board gets good amount in broadcasting rights which forms
major chunk of the revenue in modern era.
The
players however are more focused on the positives of being part of ODI Super
league. Playing with higher ranked team will help them improve their games as
well. Netherland’s coach Ryan Campbell was disappointed last year when the news
started circulating that ICC was mulling to scrap up the league to disruption
by Covid -19. Campbell urged not to do so it would affect country like
Netherlands most. Luckily the league somehow survived the test of times and got
underway in July 2021.
Now
Netherlands shall be setting up for the big stage aiming to qualify for 2023
World Cup. The success in this Super league might also increase the popularity
of sports in the country which is important for generation of revenue and
getting good broadcast rights in future. There are multiple challenges which
lie ahead in front of the people who run the game in country but they are
confident they will be able to come over it. Their immediate focus is the
series against Ireland which starts from 2nd June 2021.
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