Cricket in the Netherlands is currently on an upward trajectory, but it still doesn't feature among the country's top ten sports. Surprisingly, cricket was one of the earliest organised sports in the Netherlands and was once the favoured pastime of the Dutch elite. The journey of cricket in the Netherlands from prominence to its current status as a “minnow” is a fascinating tale of social dynamics, cultural exchanges, and shifting sports preferences.
Cricket's Introduction and Initial Decline
The story of cricket's development in the Netherlands is often overlooked, especially in discussions that focus on the sport’s spread through imperialism. While cricket was introduced worldwide as a symbol of British values during the colonial era, its growth in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, followed a unique path. Tim Brooks highlights this in his book, "Cricket in the Continent" (2016), emphasises the intricate relationship between England and continental Europe in fostering cricket's presence in this region.
Cricket likely arrived in the Netherlands with British traders in the mid to late 18th century. However, it truly took root in the elite Dutch schools, where English teachers were not uncommon. These educational institutions played a crucial role in embedding the sport within Dutch society. The first documented game in the Netherlands occurred in 1845 at the highly exclusive Noorthey boarding school near The Hague. Cricket's emphasis on both intellectual and physical prowess made it an ideal sport for the Dutch elite, including the children of King William III. However, this air of exclusivity, while enhancing its initial appeal, may have also contributed to cricket's eventual decline in popularity as it remained inaccessible to the broader population.
The Establishment of Cricket Clubs
By the late 19th century, enthusiasm for cricket in schools translated into the formation of the first cricket clubs. The Deventer Cricket Club was established in 1875, followed by the formation of The Hague Cricket Club in 1878. In 1880, an English teacher founded the first cricket club in Haarlem, which continues to be a significant cricketing centre in the Netherlands today. These early clubs laid the foundation for the sport's development, creating a structured environment for the game to flourish.
The 1881 Tour and Formation of the Cricket Association
In 1881, the Uxbridge Cricket Club from London became the first team to tour the Netherlands. Despite the considerable interest this tour generated, the Dutch team, composed mainly of affluent amateurs, was decisively defeated. Unlike British colonies, where cricket was systematically developed with standardised rules imposed by the English, Dutch cricket evolved more haphazardly, with each club following its own set of rules. For instance, the Deventer club adopted a gentlemanly approach, labelling scoring behind the wicket as "Spanish hitting," a derogatory term referencing the Duke of Alba, a despised governor during Spanish Habsburg control.
The disorganisation and lack of standardisation within Dutch cricket became evident during the tour. This prompted the establishment of the Nederlandsche Cricket Bond (NCB) in 1883 to ensure the proper administration and governance of the sport. The NCB organised the first national tournament in 1884, making it the second international cricket association after England's Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which had taken charge of the game in 1788.
The Golden Era and Challenges
At the turn of the century, Dutch cricket had not achieved the progress that the formation of the NCB had promised. The sport remained highly exclusive, with high costs and restrictive club memberships limiting its accessibility and growth. Competition from other sports, especially those requiring fewer facilities and equipment, also contributed to cricket's decline in schools. However, World War I (1914-18) brought an influx of talent, as British soldiers stranded in the neutral Netherlands played high-quality cricket in the Dutch leagues. Although these soldiers returned home after the war, their presence significantly raised the standard of the game during their stay.
The 1930s are often regarded as the golden era of cricket in the Netherlands. In 1933, the MCC was invited to the Netherlands to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NCB. In a major upset, the Dutch team triumphed, chasing down a target of 133 in under an hour. By 1935, the standard of play had improved to the extent that Dutch teams won as many games as they lost against touring South Africans and dominated other continental teams.
The Myth of World War II's Impact
Contrary to popular belief, World War II did not devastate Dutch cricket. While it is often believed that the war and the subsequent Nazi invasion (1939) undid all the progress made in the preceding years, this is not entirely accurate. Unlike in England, where many sports were halted, the Dutch continued to play cricket during the war years. Cricket, being seen as the most English of sports, became a demonstration of defiance against Nazi occupation and cultural suppression.
After the war, cricket in the Netherlands continued to grow steadily. The sport received newfound government support, more teams were established, and the overall standard of play improved. This period saw cricket solidifying its presence despite the challenges posed by the war.
Why the Netherlands Remains a "Minnow"
The decline of cricket in the Netherlands can be attributed to several factors. The professionalisation of Dutch football in 1954 made it more accessible and lucrative, drawing attention away from cricket. Football's accessibility, lower costs, and the ability to play it professionally significantly overshadowed cricket. Moreover, cricket's entrenched elitism and administrative issues further hindered its growth. Despite an increase in teams, cricket was still perceived and managed as a sport for gentlemen, limiting its appeal to the broader population.
A critical factor in the Netherlands' status as a "minnow" in international cricket is its historical exclusion from the global cricketing community. The International Cricket Council (ICC), initially known as the Imperial Cricket Conference, was formed in 1909 and primarily focused on governing cricket in the British colonies. Test status was initially granted only to England, Australia, and South Africa, not based on merit but on colonial ties. This exclusion prevented the Netherlands from participating in regular, high-profile international matches that could have significantly boosted the sport’s development in the country.
In summary, cricket in the Netherlands has a rich and complex history marked by early popularity, a golden era, and subsequent decline due to various socio-economic and administrative challenges. Overcoming these obstacles and increasing the sport's accessibility to a broader audience will be crucial for the future growth and success of cricket in the Netherlands.