Netherlands admits error in fielding ineligible player against Italy

The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) has acknowledged responsibility for fielding an ineligible player in the Netherlands women's T20I match against Italy on Tuesday. 

The oversight came to light after the Netherlands secured a commanding 94-run victory in the first game of their four-match series, posting 178 for 4 and restricting Italy to 84 for 9.

The KNCB flagged the error to the International Cricket Council (ICC) after realizing that one of the players selected did not meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the ICC. 

In a press release issued on Wednesday morning, the KNCB stated:  "The ICC has informed the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) regarding an irregularity in the line-up of the Dutch Women's Cricket Team in the match between the Netherlands and Italy on Tuesday, May 28. Although no additional details have been communicated yet, the KNCB acknowledges that it was correctly identified for this error and will make the necessary adjustments in the next match to comply with the regulations." 

During the match, the Netherlands fielded two debutants, Madison Landsman, who achieved a hat-trick for South Africa at the inaugural Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup last year, and Sanya Khurana. The KNCB has not confirmed which player was ineligible.

The ICC has yet to publicly comment on the breach. Potential sanctions for the infraction could include a suspension for the player involved and an "adjustment, overturning or amendment" of the match result.