A New League on the Block
The ETPL is a brand new professional T20 cricket league aiming to put European cricket on the global map. Sanctioned by the ICC, the tournament brings together six city-based franchises from the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland. The inaugural season
is set to kick off on August 26, 2026, featuring a double round-robin format before the playoffs. With high-profile investors like Steve Waugh and Rahul Dravid, and backing from Bollywood's Abhishek Bachchan, the league is positioned to blend emerging European talent with established international superstars, creating a dynamic new competition.
Ajinkya Rahane - Amsterdam Flames
Fresh from announcing his retirement from international and Indian domestic cricket, Ajinkya Rahane's move to the Amsterdam Flames is a major headline grabber. Known for his calm demeanor and technical prowess, the former Indian captain brings a wealth of experience and leadership. His presence not only adds immense credibility to the ETPL but also provides him a platform to mentor younger players. Playing for a team co-owned by Australian legend Steve Waugh, Rahane's signing is a statement of intent from the league and the player.
Mitchell Marsh - Amsterdam Flames
Joining Rahane at the Flames is their appointed captain, Mitchell Marsh. The current Australian T20 skipper is one of the most destructive all-rounders in the short format of the game. His aggressive batting in the middle order and effective pace bowling make him a quintessential T20 asset. Marsh's leadership and recent success with the Australian national team will be invaluable as the Flames look to make an immediate impact in the league's first season.
Ravichandran Ashwin - Dublin Guardians
Another Indian legend entering the European fray is Ravichandran Ashwin, who will captain the Dublin Guardians. Much like Rahane, Ashwin has taken retirement from Indian cricket to explore global T20 opportunities. A master strategist and one of cricket's sharpest minds, Ashwin's duel with other stars will be a fascinating subplot. The Dublin franchise, co-owned by former India coach Rahul Dravid, has secured a formidable leader and mentor in Ashwin.
Glenn Maxwell - Belfast Wolves
You can't have a global T20 league without Glenn Maxwell. The Australian superstar is not just playing for the Belfast Wolves; he's also a co-owner of the franchise. Known for his 'Big Show' antics and 360-degree batting, Maxwell is tailor-made for T20 cricket's explosive demands. His involvement both on and off the field guarantees entertainment and brings a massive global following to the Belfast team and the ETPL as a whole.
Steve Smith and Tim David - Amsterdam Flames
The Amsterdam Flames are assembling a truly formidable Australian core. Alongside captain Mitchell Marsh and Indian veteran Ajinkya Rahane, the team has signed modern batting great Steve Smith and T20 finisher Tim David. Smith brings his unique genius and consistency, while David provides the explosive power-hitting required to close out an innings or turn a match on its head. This combination of experience, technique, and raw power makes the Flames an early favourite.
Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen - Rotterdam Dockers
The South African T20 firepower is represented by Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen, who are part of the ownership group for the Rotterdam Dockers. While their playing roles are still to be confirmed, their involvement signals a strong Proteas connection. Du Plessis, a seasoned and successful T20 league captain, and Klaasen, one of the most feared middle-order hitters in the game, bring immense strategic value and on-field prowess to the Rotterdam franchise.
