Amstelveen:
Netherlands captain Pieter Seelaar announced retirement from international cricket on Sunday stating the continuous back problems. Indian cricket fans will always remember from the time when he had dismissed master-blaster Sachin Tendulkar in 2011 World Cup.
Seelaar played 57 ODIs and 77 T20Is for the Netherlands, taking over 100 wickets across the two formats. Known for stifling opponents with crafty angles and subtle changes, the canny spinner kept his ODI economy to just 4.67 and T20I economy at 6.83.
“Since 2020 my back problems got worse to such an extent that – much to my regret – I am no longer able to give everything I’ve got,” said Seelaar in a statement.
Making his debut for Netherlands in 2005, the 34-year-old eventually took over from Peter Borren in the leadership role in 2018. Starting his career as solely a left-arm orthodox spinner, Seelaar’s batting became more vital for the side, and he moved up the batting order as a result.
The best performance of Seelaar is considered the one in Netherlands’ World Cricket League Championship, 2011-2013 game against Canada in August 2013. Taking 4 wickets in 4 overs, he gave away just 15 runs.
High-Performance Manager of the Dutch cricket governing body Roland Lefebvre led the tributes for the legend of Dutch cricket.
“Pieter’s input has been priceless, first as a player and later also as a captain. His management style is open, honest and transparent, which has always been appreciated by the players,” Lefebvre said.
“He can look back upon a wonderful international career which unfortunately comes to an untimely end. We wish him the very best for the future,” he added.
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