Netherlands' Pieter Seelaar announces retirement from international cricket due to persistent back injury

Netherlands’ prominent all-rounder and skipper Pieter Seelaar has announced his retirement from international cricket. The experienced player decided to hang his shoes due to a persistent back injury. Wicketkeeper-batter Scott Edwards, who has stroked two fifties against England in the ongoing ODI series, will now take over as the captain.

The former skipper Seelaar in a statement has stated that he is facing a lot of problems due to his back injury for the past two years and emphasized the fact he will not be able to give his best on the cricket field for the very same reason. Notably, Seelaar was named as Netherlands captain after veteran Peter Borren took retirement from international cricket in 2018.

I am no longer able to give everything I have got: Pieter Seelaar

“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,” Seelaar said in a statement released shortly before England completed their run chase.

Roland Lefebvre, the KNCB’s high-performance manager, said: “Pieter’s input has been priceless, first as a player and later also as captain. His management style is open, honest, and transparent, which has always been appreciated by the players. 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.”

The former Dutch skipper finishes his career as the most-capped T20I player, leading T20I wicket-taker, second-most-capped ODI player, and joint-highest ODI wicket-taker for his country. The 34-year-old has represented his Netherlands in more than 125 matches across all three formats and was a part of the squad that defeated cricketing giant England in the 2009 and 2014 T20 World Cups.

England white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan also paid tribute to Seelaar in the presentation after the second ODI on June 19 (Sunday). “It’s been amazing. His contribution to Dutch cricket has been outstanding. On behalf of the England cricket team, we’d like to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him well on his next journey,” said Morgan.