Smits steps down from KNCB board

Jeroen Smits, the former Netherlands wicketkeeper, has resigned from his position on the KNCB board with immediate effect. A press release from the KNCB indicated that Smits, the technical director of "top cricket" in Netherlands, felt accountable for the team's poor performances in the World Cup Qualifiers in New Zealand, where they finished seventh.

"The Netherlands team faces a new period of at least four years outside of top-flight cricket. A new Dutch team will have to be built up," Smits said. "That's a task that needs new faces".

An old-style wicketkeeper who could bat a bit, Smits was one of the most dependable members of the team's 2003 and 2007 World Cup sides. He made 44 international appearances, including 38 full ODIs, and has 49 dismissals behind the wicket to his credit. He had been a member of the board since December 2012, having previously served as the chairman of selectors.