De Leede Leaves Durham to Prioritise International Commitments

Netherlands allrounder Bas de Leede has ended his association with Durham after three seasons, opting to focus on his international commitments with the Dutch national side.

De Leede, 26, qualified as a local player and made 47 appearances for Durham across formats. However, his involvement was limited to just two matches last season due to a back injury and his commitments with the Netherlands, including participation in the European qualifiers for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Now fully fit, De Leede recently returned to action, featuring in a World Cup warm-up match against Zimbabwe in Colombo on Tuesday.

Durham’s director of cricket, Marcus North, said the club respected the allrounder’s decision.

“After consultation with Bas we fully understand his decision to step back from county commitments at Durham,” North said. “Playing for the Netherlands is something Bas is extremely passionate about and with the rigorous county schedule, Bas wishes to focus on playing for the Dutch side and remaining as fit as he can be.

“We will remain in communication with Bas over the coming months and I am sure we will see him back in a Durham shirt down the line. For now, we wish him the best for the future.”

Alongside De Leede’s departure, Durham confirmed that Shafiqullah Ghafari, the Afghan-born leg-spinning allrounder, has signed a one-year contract as a locally qualified player following a successful asylum claim.

Ghafari represented Afghanistan at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup and impressed in limited opportunities for Durham at the end of the 2025 season, taking five wickets in two County Championship matches, despite being unable to prevent the club’s relegation to Division Two. He has also been a prolific performer for Richmondshire in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League.

North welcomed Ghafari’s signing, highlighting his development in local cricket.

“We’re delighted to have Shafiqullah on board for next season as a locally qualified player,” he said. “He’s a cricketer we’ve been watching closely during his time in club cricket in the area. Shafiqullah brings us another all-format option with his legspin, and this opportunity is thoroughly deserved.”

In a statement released by the club, Ghafari described his return to professional cricket as a significant personal milestone.

“The past three years have been some of the hardest of my life, filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments that tested my spirit,” Ghafari said. “But every struggle made me stronger and reminded me why I love this game so deeply.

“Today, I’m truly proud and grateful to return to professional cricket. This comeback is not just about me, it’s about growth, perseverance, and never giving up on what you love.”

Durham have also been active in the transfer market ahead of the new season. The club confirmed last week that David Bedingham has been re-signed as an overseas player for next year, while Kasey Aldridge and Archie Bailey have joined from Somerset and Gloucestershire respectively. Durham will also hope England captain Ben Stokes is available for early-season fixtures ahead of the international Test summer.