Scott Edwards steps down, Bas de Leede takes over as Netherlands captain

Scott Edwards has resigned as the captain of the Netherlands senior men's team, pulling the curtains down on a four-year stint at the helm which culminated with the team's six-wicket defeat against Namibia in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 2024/27 in Utrecht on July 31.

Netherlands are currently second on the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 2024/27 points table behind USA. The top-four teams at the end of the tournament earn their place in the ODI World Cup qualifiers.

"Apologies for sort of springing this one on you guys. I'm actually stepping down from the captaincy from here," Edwards said while addressing his team-mates in a video released by KNCB (the Royal Dutch Cricket Association). "I think, yeah, it's sort of something Cookie [Ryan Cook, the head coach till June 25] and I have been speaking about, and I've sort of been, yeah, speaking to a few different people about it, and this is sort of the time that feels right for me, I think.

"I feel like I've got so much more to offer as a player, and obviously that's my goal sort of going forward with all you boys. I think this is such a special group. And yeah, I think the world's our oyster and I'm really looking forward to what's to come. But yeah, I didn't want to sort of get that in the way of the series, but that's it from me, and I can't thank you, guys, enough for the efforts you've put in for me and for this team over the last four years. It's been, yeah, a massive honour for me and I love wearing the orange and can't wait for many more years to come."

Edwards led Netherlands in 56 ODIs, winning 25, losing 29, whereas two games ended as no results. He finished his captaincy tenure with a win percentage of 46.30% and a loss percentage of 53.70%.

He also captained the Dutch in 50 T20Is: the most by any men's captain for Netherlands. He secured 24 wins and as many losses, while two games ended as no results.

Seam-bowling allrounder Bas de Leede has been appointed as the new captain of Netherlands. He thanked Edwards for backing him and believing in his ability as a player.

"I think if I can speak on behalf of the players, you know, you've let us into some really cool battles over the years. And I just want to thank you for believing in us," de Leede said. "Even if some of us didn't believe in ourselves or in the team, the way you were able to communicate to us what the plan was and how it was going to be acquired every single game, day in, day out, was special and made me as a player believe in my own ability more than I ever did before.

"It doesn't set just the team up for success, but it sets individuals up for success. And I think we should all be very thankful for that, for a guy to be that selfless to put others into the best space to perform. It's pretty f*****g special. I'm so excited to see what's more to come for you as a player. I think you're a very special player and I can't wait to lead you on the field."