Scott Edwards has relinquished the Netherlands cricket captaincy after leading the team through 56 ODIs since June 2022, with all-rounder Bas de Leede taking over the role.

Scott Edwards has announced his departure from the Netherlands captaincy following the conclusion of the Utrecht leg of CWC League 2 matches on Friday. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who held the position for approximately four years, cited a desire to focus more fully on his individual performance as his reason for stepping down.

Edwards assumed the captaincy in June 2022 after the first ODI of England's tour, replacing Pieter Seelaar. During his tenure spanning 56 ODIs, the Netherlands won 24 matches while losing 29. Notable victories included triumphs over South Africa at the 2023 ODI World Cup in Dharamsala and Bangladesh in Kolkata. In T20 cricket, Edwards captained the team in 50 of his 86 appearances, including significant wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa during the 2022 T20 World Cup that helped eliminate the latter from the tournament.

Bas de Leede, a 26-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder considered among the Netherlands' premier players, assumes the captaincy starting with the remainder of CWC League 2. De Leede publicly thanked Edwards for his leadership and the confidence the departing captain instilled in the squad, describing how Edwards' communication and belief in his players enhanced both team and individual performance.

The Netherlands currently occupy second position in the CWC League 2 standings behind the USA. Qualification for the World Cup qualifiers requires finishing in the top four, with the team's remaining fixtures scheduled for year-end against Oman and the UAE.