Enduring pay-cuts, Dutch want to make an impact in T20 WC

CHENNAI: The Netherlands cricket team returns to India with fond memories from the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by beating South Africa by 38 runs in Dharamshala. Back in the country for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Dutch will be hoping to spring one or two surprises again. They arrived early to get accustomed to the conditions and are currently training at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai.But coming up with a good performance is easier said than done, especially when the players are not in a sound financial situation. Fast bowler Paul van Meekeren, a key figure in the Netherlands’ famous win over South Africa at the 2023 World Cup, said the players have had to take pay cuts. “We had to sacrifice a bit of our salary again this year. We can’t really find that main sponsor...can’t find that business that really wants to go on a journey with us for the next two or three years. Instead of a 12-month contract, it has become a nine-month contract now,” Meekeren told TOI on Wednesday.Meekeren, who vividly remembers the last World Cup here, said his team has gained valuable experience and could put up a strong show at this year’s showpiece T20 event.“Before the last ODI WC everyone said that we would lose every single game. From there, to walk away with two wins and compete in a lot of the games showed the strength of this team. It’s another exciting opportunity to come to a country where they live and breathe cricket.“This is my sixth World Cup, and we have a lot of experience in our team now. The starstruck feeling from playing the big teams is gone, so now I think we can focus a bit more on ourselves. We would like more support from the ICC to keep developing the team. It is crucial that the guys get good contracts and focus full-time on cricket. But yes, we keep coming, keep grinding away...”Financial challenges are nothing new for Meekeren. The tall, aggressive fast bowler had to deliver food during COVID after losing his contract in English county cricket, simply to make ends meet. A few years from now, Meekeren, who grew up playing football and field hockey, plans to move on from cricket and explore life beyond the game.“We’re not in a place like India where players can retire, make their money, and do whatever they want. I may probably be back on the market, looking for a part-time job,” he laughed. “I’m 33 now, and hopefully have another four years left in me, a little bit more. But there’s going to be a life after cricket.”But as long as he is donning the orange jersey, he wants to give his all for the team.“I just want to contribute to winning games. If I can help in any way, whether it’s carrying drinks and making sure the guys are hydrated, taking wickets, going for few runs, or taking that one catch in the field – I’ll do it all. I think that’s more important than personal milestones.“I’ve had good memories in India, so hopefully I can make one or two more and walk away with them, because this might be the last time I’m playing cricket here. Sure, the dream is to play in the IPL one day, but realistically, the chances are small. Still, I hope to leave this tournament with good memories.”Meekeren is an admirer of Jasprit Bumrah and is in awe of what the Indian paceman brings to the table.“Bumrah is one of a kind. He’s so different from any other bowler...his action, his run-up, everything is completely different. Trying to bowl like him is so tough. Obviously, I’d like to have his accuracy with his yorkers. Maybe after the match on February 18, I can pick his brain a little, but he’s doing things so differently that it’s sometimes hard to learn from,” Meekeren, who grew up idolising legendary pacers Bret Lee and McGrath, said.