The Dutch Cricket Union (KNCB) has outlined a programme of at least nine one-day internationals next year as part of its build-up to the 2007 World Cup. Several of these will be linked to the proposed restructuring of the first-class Intercontinental Cup, but there will also be at least two home games against the touring Sri Lankans.

In the first two years of the Intercontinental Cup, The Netherlands played in a European zonal group against Ireland and Scotland, but for 2006 the first phase will probably bring the Dutch up against 2005 finalists Kenya, Bermuda and Canada. The first match is pencilled in for Kenya in March, preceded by three ODIs. The remaining games are scheduled for Johannesburg in November, and there will again be associated ODIs as well as warm-up matches against South African provincial sides.

These exotic developments will, however, be paralleled by a continuation of the traditional European rivalries. The European Division I championship takes place in Glasgow in August, and for the first time the matches involving Scotland, Ireland and The Netherlands will have full ODI status.

In addition to this, the Dutch aim to play two friendly ODIs in Scotland earlier in the season (linked to Scotland�s home matches in the C&G; Trophy), and there are also plans for a couple of home games against Denmark, which will not have the magic ODI label but will nevertheless help with the build-up.

But the highlight of the domestic season will be the planned visit of Sri Lanka in early July to play a minimum of two ODIs. ICC policy is to ensure that the High Performance countries are regularly allocated such matches, and they will play an important role not only in broadening the experience of the players but also in raising the profile of the international game in developing countries like The Netherlands.

All this means that members of the Dutch national side will get much more cricket than ever before � squad members have been told that they must be available for 65 days next year. Only with such commitment can the team hope to achieve the ambitious goals which have been set for it.