Scott Edwards steps down as Netherlands ODI captain, Bas de Leede named successor

Scott Edwards stepped down as Netherlands ODI captain on July 31, 2026, at the conclusion of the Utrecht leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Bas de Leede has been named his successor and will lead the side for the remainder of the tournament.

The 29-year-old was first appointed ODI captain after the first match of England's tour of the Netherlands in June 2022, replacing Pieter Seelaar. He led the side in 56 ODIs, winning 24 and losing 29. Edwards announced the decision to his teammates at the close of the Utrecht matches.

"Apologies for sort of springing this one on you guys. I'm actually stepping down from the captaincy from here. I think, yeah, it's sort of something Cookie [Ryan Cook, the head coach till June 25] and I have been speaking about and I've sort of been, yeah, speaking to a few different people about it, and this is sort of the time that feels right for me, I think," said Edwards as quoted by Cricinfo.

Among the most notable results under his leadership were victories over South Africa in Dharamsala and over Bangladesh in Kolkata at the 2023 ODI World Cup. In T20 internationals, Edwards captained Netherlands in 50 of the 86 T20Is he played, which included wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa at the T20 World Cup 2022. The win over South Africa in that tournament resulted in South Africa's elimination.

The wicketkeeper-batter has now made way for de Leede, who is arguably Netherlands' best player. The 26-year-old takes over the ODI captaincy and acknowledged Edwards's contribution to the team.

"It doesn't set just the team up for success, but it sets individuals up for success. And I think we should all be very thankful for that, for a guy to be that selfless to put others into the best space to perform. It's pretty f*****g special. I'm so excited to see what's more to come for you as a player. I think you're a very special player and I can't wait to lead you on the field," said de Leede.