Fast bowler Paul van Meekeren has made cricketing history by becoming the first ever Dutch player to sign for a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise.
Coming hot on the heels off his stint with Durham, it will provide much needed playing momentum to the Dutchman, ahead of the T20 World Cup in two month’s time. The quick’s signing was announced on St Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ Twitter page yesterday.
He will be a like for like replacement for South African Anrich Nortje and will join fellow overseas professionals Asif Ali, Fawad Alam and Ravi Bopara. Also in the squad will be the legendary T20 duo of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo.
Dutch cricketer Roelof van der Merwe has also played CPL cricket in the past, though his 2014 appearance for St. Lucia came during his career with South Africa; prior to his switch to Netherlands.
The signing is just reward for van Meekeren, who has been in great form with the ball for Durham. He has taken a wicket or more in 9 of his last 10 games, across both the List A and T20 formats. Crucially, it will provide him with a platform to force his way back into the Dutch squad, after indifferent form saw him dropped for the ODI Super League fixtures against Ireland in June.
The Dutchman shared his joy on social media after the signing was made public.
“Another new adventure!! Exciting times and can’t wait to get out there and play,” van Meekeren tweeted.
Last year, he had set social media ablaze with his announcement of working as an Uber Eats delivery man to earn an income.
The Caribbean Premier League is due to be held from 26th August to 15th September, 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the entirety of the tournament will be played at Warner Park, Basseterre; which is SKN Patriots’ home ground.
Historically, the franchise has struggled in the CPL, receiving the wooden spoon in three seasons (including last) and making the finals just once.
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