The 34-year-old made his debut for the Netherlands team in 2005, eventually taking over from Peter Borren in the leadership role in 2018. Starting his career as solely a left-arm orthodox spinner, Seelaar's batting became more vital for the side, and he moved up the batting order as a result.

"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.

Seelaar played 57 ODIs and 77 T20Is for the Netherlands, taking over 100 wickets across the two formats. Known for stifling opponents with crafty angles and subtle changes, the canny spinner kept his ODI economy to just 4.67 and T20I economy at 6.83.

Seelaar was part of the team that famously ran over England both at Lord’s in the opening match of the T20 World Cup in 2009, and in Bangladesh in the same tournament five years later.

Seelaar claimed four-wicket hauls in both international white ball formats, though his best achievement with the bat came in red-ball cricket, making 138 not out against Hong Kong in the ICC Intercontinental Cup. Seelaar and Ben Cooper added 288 runs for the sixth wicket, a record partnership in the competition.

High Performance Manager of the Dutch cricket governing body Roland Lefebvre led the tributes for the legend of Dutch cricket.

“Pieter’s input has been priceless, first as a player and later also as captain. His management style is open, honest and transparent, which has always been appreciated by the players," Lefebvre said.

"He can look back upon a wonderful international career which unfortunately comes to an untimely end. We wish him the very best for the future.”

Wicket-keeper/batter Scott Edwards takes over as Dutch captain.

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