Netherlands all-rounder Bas de Leede has ended his three-year stint with Durham, choosing to step back from county cricket to focus on his international responsibilities. The 26-year-old, a locally qualified player, made 47 appearances for the club across formats and is currently in India to represent his country in the T20 World Cup 2026.

De Leede featured just twice during the 2025 season, as a back injury and international obligations restricted his availability. His time away included representing the Netherlands in the European qualifiers for the T20 World Cup, and with a demanding schedule ahead, the all-rounder has opted to prioritise national duty while carefully managing his fitness.

Now fully fit, he recently made his return in a World Cup warm-up match against Zimbabwe in Colombo on Tuesday.

Durham director of cricket Marcus North confirmed the club’s understanding of the decision. While de Leede departs, Durham has also confirmed a notable addition to their squad. Afghan-born leg-spinning allrounder Shafiqullah Ghafari has signed a one-year contract with the club as a locally qualified player following a successful asylum claim.

North expressed his delight at securing Ghafari’s services, too,

"After consultation with Bas, we fully understand his decision to step back from county commitments at Durham. 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,” he said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“We’re delighted to have Shafiqullah on board for next season as a locally qualified player. 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 leg-spin, and this opportunity is thoroughly deserved,” he said.

Ghafari represented Afghanistan at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup and featured in two County Championship matches for Durham towards the end of the 2025 season, claiming five wickets despite the club’s relegation to Division Two.

Away from the professional circuit, he has been a standout performer for Richmondshire in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Premier League, consistently impressing with his wicket-taking ability. The youngster has reflected on his journey back to professional cricket.

"The past three years have been some of the hardest of my life filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments that tested my spirit. 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.

Now that I’m back, my full focus and energy are on giving everything I have for my club to work harder than ever, to perform, and to make every moment count,” Ghafari said.

Durham have been active in reshaping their squad ahead of the new season. The club recently confirmed that David Bedingham has been re-signed as an overseas player, while Kasey Aldridge and Archie Bailey have arrived from Somerset and Gloucestershire, respectively. Mitchell Killeen and Paul Coughlin have departed for Essex and Lancashire, and Durham will be hopeful that England captain Ben Stokes is available for some early-season fixtures before the Test summer begins.