From paying to play to the World Cup: Babette de Leede leads Dutch women into a new era.
2014 remains one of the most unforgettable years in Dutch cricket history. Under Peter Borren, the Netherlands men’s team scripted a fairytale run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, storming into the Super 10 after chasing 190 against Ireland in just 13.5 overs in Sylhet.
More than a decade later, Stephan Myburgh’s blistering 23-ball 63 is still remembered as one of the greatest innings in T20 World Cup history. The Dutch also stunned England in the same tournament, bowling them out for just 88 in a famous upset that inspired a generation of cricketers back home.
But while the men were grabbing headlines, the Netherlands women’s team was fighting a very different battle behind the scenes. There was no financial security, no full-time coaching setup, and not even T20I status. Many players regularly paid for their own tours and training expenses simply to keep their cricketing dreams alive.
It was during this difficult phase that a 15-year-old Babette de Leede made her debut for the Netherlands in 2014. Twelve years later, she now stands at the centre of a historic moment, preparing to captain the Dutch women at their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup under full-time coach Neil McRae.
“We’ve come a really long way since then,” Babette told India Today in an exclusive interview. “Back then, we had to pay for our own tours and trips, and our coach wasn’t full-time. Slowly things improved. Around 2019 or 2020, we got our first full-time head coach, and that helped us grow massively as a team.”
She explained how even small changes transformed the environment around women’s cricket in the Netherlands.
“We started receiving match fees and travel support, so it no longer cost us money just to play cricket or attend training. Now some of the girls are even on part-time contracts, which is a huge step forward,” she added.
A family legacy continues
Cricket runs deep in the De Leede family. Babette’s uncle, Tim de Leede, became a Dutch cricket icon during the ICC Cricket World Cup after producing a memorable Player of the Match performance against India and dismissing Sachin Tendulkar with his very first international wicket. Her cousin, Bas de Leede, has already represented the Netherlands at ODI and T20 World Cups.
Now Babette is preparing to add her own chapter to that legacy. Earlier this year in Nepal, the Netherlands women sealed qualification for the Women’s T20 World Cup after winning five consecutive matches at the qualifiers alongside Bangladesh.
“The moment still gives me shivers,” Babette said. “We had worked towards this goal for so many years, and finally achieving it was emotional. There were tears, happiness, and so much pride. For women’s cricket in the Netherlands, this is absolutely massive.”
The qualification also reflected the steady rise of Dutch women’s cricket since gaining T20I status in 2018. For players like Babette, who witnessed the struggles firsthand, reaching the World Cup felt almost surreal.
Bigger dreams ahead
The Netherlands now face a daunting challenge at the World Cup, where they are drawn alongside heavyweights like India, Australia and South Africa. But Babette insists her side is not travelling simply to make up the numbers.
“We want to finish in the top eight so we can qualify automatically for the next World Cup,” she said. “That means winning games, and honestly, we believe we’re capable of doing that.”
For the Dutch skipper, the tournament is also an opportunity to measure her side against the very best.
“We’ve never really had the chance to play these teams consistently before, so it will be exciting to see where we stand. We definitely want to compete and hopefully cause a few upsets,” she added.
Growing into leadership
Babette took over as Netherlands captain in October 2024 after Heather Siegers stepped down to focus on injury recovery. Though leadership initially felt overwhelming, she has gradually embraced the role.
“At first it was challenging balancing my own game with captaincy responsibilities like field placements and bowling changes,” Babette admitted. “But over time, I’ve really grown into it and started enjoying every part of the role.”
Her impact has already been significant. Under her leadership, the Netherlands have enjoyed an impressive run in T20Is, while Babette herself continues to contribute heavily with both bat and gloves.
A new chapter for Dutch women’s cricket
For the Netherlands women, the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is about far more than participation. It represents the culmination of years of sacrifice, resilience and gradual progress.
Pioneers such as Helmien Rambaldo, Juliet Post and Heather Siegers helped lay the foundation for women’s cricket in the Netherlands long before the current generation arrived. Babette and her teammates are now carrying that journey onto the biggest stage of all.
They may not enter the tournament as favourites, but the Dutch women have already proven how far belief and perseverance can take a team. From funding their own dreams to standing on the World Cup stage, the Netherlands are no longer just participants in the global game — they are ready to compete with the very best.
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