Faf du Plessis and Jonty Rhodes are taking a significant step into team ownership in the European T20 Premier League, aiming to develop local talent in Dutch cricket. The league will feature six city-based teams, including the Rotterdam Dockers, which du Plessis co-owns and captains.
The inaugural edition of the ETPL is set to take place from August 26 to September 20, comprising a total of 33 matches. This new venture comes as cricket in Europe seeks to gain momentum and attract more attention.
Du Plessis emphasizes that local Dutch players will be crucial for the success of his team. He stated, “It’s not your overseas players that win you competitions, it’s the local players.” His experience in franchise leagues around the world informs this belief.
Rhodes added that the ETPL offers pathways to identify, nurture, and scale talent, ultimately strengthening the game across Europe. He remarked, “This is my first step into team ownership, and the timing couldn’t be better with European cricket gaining real momentum.” The league aims to boost cricket’s profile and create opportunities for aspiring cricketers.
The ETPL is co-owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan. Currently, five of the six franchises have been sold over a 10-year period, totaling a value of £11.1 million. One team remains under negotiation.
The Netherlands has had notable successes in white-ball cricket, having defeated teams like England and South Africa. This history sets a promising backdrop for the development of local talent through this new league.
As interest grows, observers anticipate that this initiative will not only enhance cricket’s standing in Europe but also provide a platform for homegrown players to shine on an international stage.
