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Chandigarh: Even after a stunning win over hosts England in the Twenty20 World Cup earlier this year, Netherlands cricket is struggling to get government support to popularise the game in the football crazy European country.
Peter Borren, captain of the 14-member national team that is here for a practice tour, feels there is immense cricketing talent in the Netherlands, but the sport is still struggling to find a place for itself for want of government support.
"We hardly get any aid or support from the government as everyone there is concerned only about hockey and football. It is tough to compete with the popularity of these sports but still we are hopeful. The only support that we get is from the ICC," Borren said.
Government apathy has however not stopped the cricketers from dreaming big and now they are gearing up for the 2011 World Cup in the subcontinent. The 2011 event will be their fourth World Cup appearance since making their debut in 1996.
"We have already qualified for the 2011 World Cup and now we are focusing on qualifying for the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies in April-May 2010," Borren added.
"The India tour will help our players get used to sub-continental conditions that would benefit us in the 2011 World Cup," he said.
Peter Drinnen, chief coach, said the team is very hardworking and is capable of beating stronger sides.
"We only lack in exposure and gradually our players are getting that. We are sure to give a tough fight in international cricket in the coming months," he said.
