Amsterdam: The financial inequality and gulf in resources among 10 participating nations in the upcoming World Cup couldn't have been more starker unless one bumped into a social media advertisement posted by the Netherlands cricket board seeking Indian net bowlers to help them in their preparations for the mega event.
While it is a convention (not a rule) for local state associations (Karnataka State Cricket Association in this case) to provide net bowlers for visiting teams, the Dutch cricket board, in a first of its kind advertisement on 'X', formerly twitter, has sought one left-arm seamer, right arm seamer, mystery spinner and a left-arm spinner for their five-day pre-Cup camp in Alur from September 20 to 24.
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The Netherlands squad led by Australia-born Scott Edwards had come to Bengaluru in August for a short three-day acclimatisation camp but it is understood unlike some of the other teams, including hosts India, Netherland cricket doesn't have enough depth in domestic cricket or resources to have travelling net bowlers accompanying the team.
For any cricket fan, the contrast will be evident if one reads two of the eight criteria listed to become Netherland World Cup squad's net bowler. The pacers need to bowl above 120 kmph (75 miles per hour) and spinners, who are able to give it a tweak at a minimum 80 kmph (50 miles per hour).
They have demanded videos with aspirants bowling minimum one over with clear trajectory of the deliveries visible. Their travel, stay and meals during the camp would be taken care by the Royal Netherlands Cricket Association. All the applicants need to be above 18 years of age and residents of India.
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KSCA, however, is ready to help them get the best possible net bowlers in town. "They have already camped here and played a couple of matches. We have provided them the required facilities, as per their request. We are ready to host them whenever they return," a senior KSC official told PTI when enquired about the advertisement.
