Edwards Hopes Netherlands' World Cup Run Unlocks Extra ICC Funding
Scott Edwards has led Netherlands from the front (Twitter)
Forging a heartening rise to stand on the brink of a historic Champions Trophy reappearance, Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards is hoping his team's inspirational campaign at the ICC World Cup 2023 would unlock extra funding for the associate giantkillers from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Netherlands, who remarkably qualified for the ten-team World Cup on Indian shores at the expense of multiple Test-playing nations and have bagged two major scalps against South Africa and Bangladesh in the tournament, require one more win in their remaining two matches to secure a berth for Pakistan 2025.
The barely believable scenario where a victory against England on Wednesday (November 8) could continue their fairytale ascent has underlined the Netherlands' promise as the next rising force at the international stage and Edwards said his troops could certainly reach there with greater support from the game's custodians and all forces.
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Currently operating on insignificant annual sums, lower than even bottom rung full-member nations Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan, Edwards feels extra funding from the ICC would form a push of encouragement for the Netherlands to keep investing time and energy towards the 50-over format by reserving their talent pool.
Edwards Seeking Extra ICC Funding For Netherlands
Lack of funds and a proper annual central contracts scheme has plagued on the Dutch over the years, forcing them to do alternate jobs for survival while robbing the national team of a regular chance to field their best playing XI.
Even as they surged past multiple strong oppositions at the global qualifier in Zimbabwe, the Netherlands did so without seven of their first-choice cricketers, who couldn't find a release from English county cricket deals.
"Obviously our main focus is white-ball cricket," Edwards told ESPNcricinfo.
"If there's a way to get full-member white-ball status, that would be huge for us - and something that would be worth investing in."
"Hopefully in the future, the funding does increase to some of the sides on the fringe to broaden the base of international cricket," he added.
Edwards also gave the example of Afghanistan and how far they've come because of the backing.
"Look at Afghanistan; look at where they were five or 10 years ago to now, playing for that semi-final spot. We feel like we're on the same track - and a lot of sides that didn't make this World Cup would say the same."
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