Grounds of Europe: Sportpark Westvliet - The Hague’s modern cricketing hub

Editor’s Note: Grounds of Europe is a series exploring the venues, clubs, and communities shaping cricket across the continent. From historic outgrounds to modern international arenas, the series looks at how Europe’s cricketing identity continues to evolve through its grounds.

Tucked away in The Hague, Sportpark Westvliet represents a different side of European cricket history. Unlike grounds built on Victorian legacy or century-old folklore, Westvliet reflects the modern ambitions of Dutch cricket. It is a venue that has grown alongside the Netherlands’ rise in the international game and continues to strengthen the country’s place on the global cricket map.

Home to Voorburg Cricket Club, one of the Netherlands’ most respected clubs, Westvliet became VCC’s permanent base in 2006. Since then, the venue has steadily transformed into one of Dutch cricket’s leading international grounds. Equipped with a high-quality grass wicket system featuring hybrid and practice strips, it has developed a reputation for balancing elite performance standards with strong community roots.

The ground’s first major international milestone arrived in July 2010 when it hosted its maiden ODI during the ICC World Cricket League Division One tournament. Afghanistan faced Canada in what became the venue’s first official One Day International. Afghanistan chased down 258 with Nawroz Mangal leading the charge, marking the beginning of Westvliet’s international journey.

That same tournament also produced one of the venue’s earliest standout Dutch performances. Tom Cooper, then beginning his ODI career for the Netherlands, became only the second player in ODI history to score fifties in each of his first three innings. Westvliet quickly established itself as a venue where Dutch cricketers could perform on a bigger stage.

Over the years, the ground has welcomed international teams from across the cricketing world. England, Scotland, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and several Associate nations have all played here, while players like Max O’Dowd have made the venue a personal hunting ground. The Dutch opener has enjoyed remarkable success at Westvliet in both ODI and T20I cricket, further strengthening the venue’s connection with the national side.

Yet perhaps the ground’s most important moment came in 2025. Sportpark Westvliet hosted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Regional Qualifier, with every fixture played at the venue. Across a week of high-pressure cricket, the Netherlands emerged unbeaten and secured qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. For Dutch cricket, it was another step forward. For Westvliet, it was confirmation of its growing importance within European cricket.

There is also something fitting about the ground’s atmosphere. Modern yet intimate, professional yet community-driven, Westvliet mirrors the identity of Dutch cricket itself. Even during the colder months, the club’s indoor facility ensures cricket continues year-round, highlighting the long-term investment behind the venue’s development.

Sportpark Westvliet may not yet carry centuries of history, but its story is already becoming an important chapter in Europe’s cricketing journey.