Babette de Leede appointed Netherlands Women captain

Babette de Leede was appointed captain of the Netherlands Women, the Netherlands Cricket Board (KNCB) announced on October 18 (Friday). De Leede takes over from Heather Siegers, who took charge at the age of 21 in 2018, leading the side in 29 T20 Internationals (T20I) and five One-Day Internationals (ODI). The Dutch women achieved great success under Siegers, having beaten higher-ranked sides like Thailand, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Scotland. 

Since making her debut in 2022, De Leede has led the side in 10 T20Is and eight ODIs, often filling in for the regular skipper. She has over 900 runs in T20Is and close to 300 in ODIs. 

“First of all, I’d like to thank Heather for her on-field leadership, which has brought us considerable success. I’m grateful to get the opportunity to lead this Dutch women’s team that has a lot of potential, particularly in a time where women’s cricket is developing rapidly," de Leede said on being appointed skipper. 

"Our main goal will be to qualify for the next T20 World Cup in 2026. That journey will start in the summer of 2025 with the European Qualifiers. I am looking forward to this wonderful opportunity.”

Siegers has also lauded de Leede for doing a superb job in her absence last summer. “The opportunity to lead the Dutch national team has been a wonderful honour and privilege. The role and the team have helped me grow both as a player and person," she said. 

"However, it’s time to pass on the captaincy. It will allow me to focus on my recovery, so I will be able to take the field in orange again next season. I’m confident my successor, Babette, will bring new energy, ideas and passion to the captaincy role. She’s done a great job in my absence last summer and I’m excited to see where she can take us.”

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