In our stars of ECL series we look at Pieter Seelaar. Having progressed seamlessly through the Dutch youth ranks to full international, Pieter, 32, is now the captain of both the Netherlands and ECL19 winners, “Kings of Europe” V.O.C. Rotterdam. As an 18-year-old, Pieter grabbed the headlines for his legendary penguin dance after dismissing England captain Paul Collingwood in the Netherlands’ stunning win in the opening game of the 2009 T20 World Cup. Pieter has also removed the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and KP with his tricky left-arm darts, and is a hard-hitting right-handed batsman.

European Cricket Family – Q & A – Pieter Seelaar – Captain of the Netherlands and Kings of Europe V.O.C. Rotterdam.

How much of a disappointment was the postponement of ECL20??

Obviously, a huge disappointment. We as V.O.C. Rotterdam have great memories of the first edition of the ECL, and would love to have defended our title this year. Also, a week in Spain with the boys is a shame to miss out on.

What’s your opinion on the ECL21 qualification process announced this week?

Yeah, I think that these are the two most logical options. I very much agree with the ECL management, to host a play-off between the 2019 and 2020 champions. I’d like to see that play-off played in T10, as that is the ECL format, possibly in a best-of-3 series.

How has your life changed since covid19 crisis?

I recently became a dad. This all happened about three weeks after little Blake was born so it’s not so much because of the Coronavirus.

Cricket-wise how has your life changed since covid19 crisis?

Absolutely no cricket at all, which has been quite refreshing!

What’s the toughest part of the current covid19 crisis for you?

We have recently lost a few people that we know to the virus. Not to be able to attend funerals, nor to support friends and family has been rather tough.

Positively, what is the best part? If any?!

We didn’t get to tour Spain and Namibia with the Dutch team. So, I have been able to constantly be with my son, and watch literally every minute of him growing up, which is absolutely fantastic.

Who or what is your greatest inspiration at this time?

All the people in healthcare have it rather tough. They’ve been fantastic.

What do you do more of these days? And less?

I do a lot more running, but I hate that with a passion! And I do a lot less drinking, because the bars are closed!

What would be your dream FIRST game back after the fight has been won against covid19?

To say ‘any game’ is a bit of a cliché. But a dream would be playing a T20 game late afternoon in the Caribbean!

What was the highlight of your cricketing career so far?

Beating England at Lord’s in 2009 (T20 World Cup) with the Netherlands is definitely number 1!

Who is the best bowler you've faced?

David Mullett without a doubt!

The fastest bowler you've faced?

Wahid Abdul from France Champions Dreux. He seemed to be bowling 150 km/h that morning at ECL19.

And the best spinner faced?

Zac/Dirk van Baren when he bowled left arm spin was a horror to face!

Who is the best batsman you've played with?

When on song, my V.O.C. Rotterdam teammate Jelte Schoonheim is simply a pleasure to watch!

And against?

Mads Hendriksen of Svanholm, Denmark at ECL19