World Cup 2023: Why Bas De Leede Believes Live Broadcast After Four Years Will Spur Cricket in Netherlands

The 1996 World Cup held in the sub-continent marked the debut of the Netherlands, along with Kenya and UAE, in this prestigious event. Despite their best efforts, the Dutch side could not secure a win in any of their five matches. Again, in the 2011 World Cup, the Dutch team couldn't break their winless streak, ending last in the group stage.

Twelve years on, the Netherlands team is participating once more in the World Cup, this time in the 2023 edition held in India. Following in his father's footsteps, Bas de Leede, at the age of 23, finds himself as an integral part of the team hoping to rewrite the team's World Cup narrative. The batting all-rounder looks forward to absorbing the positives from the tournament and returning home as a much-improved side.
Cricket returns to the spotlight in the Netherlands

Bas, the right-handed batter, said his father's message to him and the entire Dutch squad to go out into the middle and enjoy the game.

Bas said, "The one thing that he said was to enjoy it. So I think that's what we'll do off and on the field, taking notes, and being in the moment. Sometimes during the game (he told us) to sort of soak up what's happening. Obviously, it's a very special occasion for me and the other guys.

On father Tim de Leede's message for the Netherlands team

De Leede imparts that his father's primary message to him and his teammates has been to enjoy the game. His father's advice also extends to concentrating on small things on the field, giving the breezy young player enough room to play his natural game. De Leede feels privileged as he carries cherished discussions about his father's World Cup memories to the field.

"On the cricketing front, he asks us to take care of the small things. He's always been letting me go free on the charge and play my own game and not be too involved. I chatted with him about his memories from his World Cup campaigns, which is a nice thing," he added further.

Cricket isn't a very popular sport back in the country, and the all-rounder even believes that things will not change drastically for them even if they end up making it to the semis in this edition.

Power of National Telecast of Cricket in Netherlands

However, there is some buzz around cricket back home, and the fact that cricket will be televised live in the Netherlands after a gap of four years is going to have a positive impact.

Excited about the prospect of live cricket broadcast in the Netherlands, Bas - who is one of the few full-time Dutch cricketers - said, "I don't think even making it into the semifinals would not play a big role in the development of cricket in the country. We're here and that is already big.

"Maybe being live broadcasted in Holland for the first time in four years, that cricket is going to be on national television, which is great news, and it's stuff like that and that's massive for the country."

Nonetheless, despite cricket's limited appeal back home, this upcoming international cricket tournament has stirred up a certain level of excitement amongst Dutch cricket enthusiasts.

Overcoming several constraints, the Dutch cricketers - who shared origins from various parts of the world - have made significant strides. Earning a qualification to the CWC 2023 is one such feat.

With his versatility and prowess, De Leede stands as a dominant all-rounder for the Netherlands cricket team, and voicing candid thoughts on the future trajectory of cricket in his homeland is testimony to his love for the game and belief to actually do something for the sport at home.