Netherlands cricketer Heather Siegers balances Tata Steel job with World Cup campaign

Heather Siegers, a former captain of the Netherlands women's cricket team, currently works as a trainee at Tata Steel's Velsen-Noord office. Cricket is not widely followed in the Netherlands, and her colleagues were initially unaware of her cricketing background. 'My colleagues weren't aware of my background and any form of cricket, really,' Siegers told The Indian Express. 'Cricket isn't very big back home.'

After her colleagues discovered her alternate identity, they became curious and supportive. They now gather around a television in the break room to watch her matches. 'They were very surprised. They found it really cool. I get a lot of questions about it all the time,' Siegers said.

In October 2025, Siegers retired from cricket to focus on her career and personal life. 'It was quite tough to combine the two,' she said. 'I felt like my social life and my family didn't get enough of my time and efforts.' However, her sister Silver encouraged her to reconsider, reminding her of her long-standing dream to play in a World Cup. The team's strong performance in the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal also influenced her decision to return.

Tata Steel has supported her comeback by accommodating her training and match schedules. 'They've been very supportive with trying to fit my work around my training schedule,' Siegers noted. She now plays cricket purely for enjoyment, without the pressure of a career. 'It feels a little different to play cricket now. It's only for fun,' she said.

Siegers is set to face defending ODI World Cup champions India on Wednesday. Her colleagues have yet to visit India, but Siegers hopes they can one day. 'If I am invited, I would love to meet everyone,' she said.