About European T20 Premier League
ETPL: A New Powerhouse in World Cricket
The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) an upcoming franchise tournament sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC), designed to place Europe firmly on cricket’s global map. A first-of-its-kind collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, ETPL blends the proud cricketing traditions of these nations with the ambition to grow the game across the continent.
ETPL brings global star power with Dravid, Waugh, Maxwell, Hayden, Mills and Rhodes
The ETPL completed unveiling of all six franchises for its inaugural season earlier this year, bringing together some of the biggest names in world cricket as owners, captains, mentors and coaches. The first three teams—Belfast Wolves, Edinburgh and Amsterdam Flames—were announced at the league's Sydney launch, with Glenn Maxwell joining Belfast as co-owner and player, Steve Waugh leading the ownership group of Amsterdam Flames, and former New Zealand internationals Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum spearheading the Edinburgh franchise alongside Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner.
The remaining three franchises, Dublin Guardians, Rotterdam Dockers and Glasgow Cosmic were later unveiled in Dublin. Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin headline the leadership of Dublin Guardians, while South African greats Faf du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen form the core of Rotterdam Dockers' ownership group along with John Abraham. Glasgow Cosmic, meanwhile, will be guided by Australian legend Matthew Hayden in his dual role as co-owner and head coach, completing a star-studded lineup for the league's debut season.
When and where will the first season take place?
The ETPL is primed to begin in August 2026 and it'll be played across two regions in Netherlands and Ireland in its inaugural season.
Amsterdam Flames
Amsterdam Flames are one of the founding franchises of the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) and are owned by an Australian consortium led by former World Cup-winning captain Steve Waugh, Olympic gold medallist Jamie Dwyer and businessman Tim Thomas. The Amsterdam-based franchise was among the first three teams unveiled at the league launch in Sydney ahead of the tournament's inaugural season.
The franchise has assembled a squad featuring several of Australia's biggest names, with T20I captain Mitchell Marsh joined by Steve Smith and Tim David. The trio bring vast experience across international cricket and franchise leagues around the world, with Marsh expected to lead the side during the competition.
Dublin Guardians
Dublin Guardians are backed by an Indian consortium led by former India captain Rahul Dravid, whose vision is to support the growth of cricket across Europe through investment in grassroots development and emerging talent. Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the franchise as captain and mentor, bringing his leadership and tactical expertise to the team. The franchise was officially unveiled at the ETPL launch in Dublin alongside two other teams ahead of the league's inaugural season.
Widely regarded as one of the finest off-spinners of his generation, Ashwin has enjoyed an illustrious career for India across all three formats and established himself as one of the game's sharpest cricketing minds. His experience, leadership and understanding of the game will be central to Dublin Guardians as they prepare for their maiden campaign.
Rotterdam Dockers are led by a South African ownership group comprising former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen, with Madhukar Shree serving as Managing Partner. Du Plessis will also captain the side, while Klaasen takes on the role of vice-captain, bringing together an experienced leadership group with a wealth of international and franchise cricket experience.
Bollywood actor and sports entrepreneur John Abraham later joined the ownership group as a co-owner ahead of the inaugural ETPL season, further strengthening the franchise's leadership.
Du Plessis, one of South Africa's most successful captains in white-ball cricket, brings extensive leadership experience from franchise leagues around the world. Alongside Rhodes, regarded as one of cricket's greatest fielders, and Klaasen, one of the most destructive batters in the modern game, the trio provides Rotterdam Dockers with a strong cricketing foundation.
Glasgow Cosmic are backed by the Mugafi Group, with Australian great Matthew Hayden serving as co-owner and head coach alongside CEO of Mugafi Group- Rashid Khan, founders Tansha Batra and Vipul Agrawal. Hayden joined the franchise ahead of the inaugural ETPL season, bringing his extensive experience as a World Cup winner, broadcaster and coach to the Glasgow-based side. The franchise was unveiled in Glasgow alongside two other teams as preparations gathered pace for the league's debut season.
One of Australia's most accomplished opening batters, Hayden enjoyed an illustrious international career and has since established himself as a respected coach and mentor in franchise cricket. In his dual role as co-owner and head coach, he will play a key part in shaping Glasgow Cosmic's cricketing identity as the team prepares for the inaugural ETPL season.
Belfast Wolves
Belfast Wolves are owned by the Floodlight Capital Consortium, led by former NRMA Group chief executive Rohan Lund, with Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell joining as co-owner and player. The franchise was unveiled in Belfast alongside two other teams, marking the arrival of city-based professional T20 cricket in Northern Ireland for the first time as the ETPL prepares for its inaugural season.
Maxwell, one of the most accomplished all-rounders of the modern era, will play a pivotal role in the franchise both on and off the field. A member of Australia's ICC Men's T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2021, he has enjoyed success across international cricket and franchise leagues around the world. His leadership, experience and match-winning ability make him a key figure as Belfast Wolves prepare for their first ETPL campaign.
Edinburgh are backed by a New Zealand-based consortium led by former Black Caps internationals Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum. The ownership group brings together extensive international playing and coaching experience, while also working in collaboration with Otago Cricket, one of New Zealand's leading domestic associations, to support the franchise's cricketing operations and long-term development.
Mills, a former New Zealand fast bowler who reached the top of the ICC ODI bowling rankings during his international career, is joined by former New Zealand all-rounder Nathan McCullum, who has established himself as a respected high-performance coach. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner became the franchise's first player signing, adding further leadership and international pedigree as Edinburgh prepare for the inaugural ETPL season.
The ETPL Explained
