Heather Siegers hands over captaincy of the Dutch women's team to Babette de Leede

Heather Siegers became captain of the Dutch national team when she was 21. She captained the national side 44 times, 39 T20I's and 5 ODI's between 2018 and 2024.  Under her leadership, the team achieved significant success. For example, the Netherlands regularly beat teams that were higher in the ICC world rankings, including Thailand, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Scotland.

Heather comments: “The opportunity to lead the Dutch national team has been a wonderful honour and privilege. The role and the team have helped me grow both as a player and person. However, it’s time to pass on the captaincy. It will allow me to focus on my recovery so I will be able to take the field in orange again next season. I’m confident my successor Babette will bring new energy, ideas and passion to the captaincy role. She’s done a great job in my absence last summer and I’m excited to see where she can take us.”

Babette de Leede: “First of all I’d like to thank Heather for her on-field leadership which has brought us considerable success. I’m grateful to get the opportunity to lead this Dutch women’s team that has a lot of potential, particularly in a time where women’s cricket is developing rapidly. Our main goal will be to qualify for the next T20 World Cup in 2026. That journey will start in the summer of 2025 with the European Qualifiers. I am looking forward to this wonderful opportunity.”

KNCB Board Member Reinout Scholte: “Last summer Babette de Leede showed her potential as captain leading the team due to Heather Siegers’ injury. The KNCB will watch future growth and performance of the National Womans team led by Babette with confidence as well as curiosity.”

“We are very thankful for all the hard work Heather has put in and for the progress made under her leadership. We wish her a good recovery and are looking forward to a successful return to the national team", Scholte added.