ten Doeschate to skip World T20 qualifiers

Ryan ten Doeschate will not be part of Netherlands squad that plays in the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in the UAE in March, because of 'other cricket commitments', Netherlands chairman of selectors Jeroen Smits has said. The selectors have announced a 14-man squad for the tournament, which will be led by Peter Borren.

Sixteen Associate and Affiliate teams will compete in the 72-match competition that runs between March 13 and 24, for two available spots in the World Twenty20 that is scheduled for later this year in Sri Lanka. Netherlands are placed in Group A, alongside Afghanistan, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Denmark and Nepal.

Following the qualifiers, Netherlands will play a one-day series against Afghanistan in Sharjah. Eric Szwarczynski will join the squad for that series.

"It is a well-balanced squad, one that is well suited to both the format and the conditions that are going to be encountered in the UAE," Netherlands coach Peter Drinnen said. "I know the quality of the work the players have put in over recent months and I feel they are well prepared. All who are competing know the significance of the tournament and it is going to be extremely tough couple of weeks, but I know we have the squad to do well."

Smith said the squad had the right mix of youth and experience. "Although Ryan ten Doeschate is not available due to other cricket commitments, we have been able to put together a very strong selection for both the World Twenty20 Qualifier, as well as the matches against Afghanistan.

"It is a mix of experience and youth. For some players, like the little village Timm [van der Gugten], Stephan Myburgh, Ashan Malik, Tim Gruijters Tim and Tom Heggelman, this will be their first major tournament. For the Dutch cricket these are exciting months. We are convinced that with this group, we can enforce [secure] qualification."