Netherlands skipper Pieter Seelaar on Sunday announced his retirement from international cricket, citing persistent back problems. The 34-year-old all-rounder made the announcement during his team’s second ODI against England at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen.

“Since 2020 my back problems got worse to such an extent that – much to my regret – I am no longer able to give everything I’ve got,” Seelaar said.

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Seelaar made his international debut for the Netherlands team in 2005. He was appointed the team’s captain following Peter Borren’s retirement in 2018.

He played 57 ODIs and 77 T20Is for the side, taking more than 100 wickets across the formats with an economy of 4.67 in ODI and  6.83 in T20I.

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Seelaar was part of the team that defeated England at Lord’s in the opening match of the T20 World Cup in 2009. 

In the 2011 World Cup game against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Seelaar dismissed Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Yusuf Pathan in a span of two overs, returning with figures of 3-53 in 10 overs.

He also led the Netherlands to victory in the qualifying tournament for the 2021 T20 World Cup.

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Seelaar’s back injury aggravated during Netherland’s first ODI against England on Friday. He missed the 2nd ODI on Sunday. 

“It’s been amazing. His contribution to Dutch cricket has been outstanding. On behalf of the England cricket team, we’d like to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him well on his next journey,” Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, said during the presentational ceremony after the 2nd ODI on Sunday.