In a surprising move, the Netherlands cricket board has extended an invitation to upcoming Indian cricketers to join them as net bowlers for their ODI World Cup preparatory camp. This unconventional advertisement by the Dutch cricket board has garnered significant attention on social media, making it go viral.
The Netherlands cricket team, captained by Scott Edwards, recently visited Bengaluru for a three-day acclimatization camp in August. However, it appears that they lack the depth in domestic cricket and resources to have traveling net bowlers accompany them.
To fulfill their requirement for net bowlers, the Dutch cricket board specified the criteria, seeking one left-arm seamer, one right-arm seamer, a mystery spinner, and a left-arm spinner. They set speed benchmarks, with pacers expected to bowl above 120 kmph (75 miles per hour) and spinners capable of delivering at a minimum of 80 kmph (50 miles per hour). Applicants are required to submit videos showcasing their skills, including bowling a minimum of one over with a clear trajectory.
The Royal Netherlands Cricket Association has offered to cover the expenses for travel, accommodation, and meals during the five-day camp, which will take place in Alur from September 20-24. All applicants must be above 18 years old and residents of India.
While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) expressed its readiness to assist in providing quality net bowlers, a BCCI official explained that some international teams like England and Australia have built contacts with BCCI bodies over the years, enabling them to source quality net bowlers for their camps in India.
The Netherlands cricket team, considered one of the weakest among the 10 participating nations in the upcoming ODI World Cup, operates in a semi-professional setup, with the majority of its players engaged in other vocations. They face challenges in terms of practice opportunities, often working 9-5 jobs during weekdays and training in the evenings.
The invitation for Indian net bowlers not only highlights the unique camaraderie within the cricketing community but also emphasizes the need for diverse practice resources as teams prepare for high-stakes competitions.
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(With PTI inputs)