Steve Waugh Invests in New European T20 Premier League
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A new men’s European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has secured investment from high-profile figures, including former Australian captain Steve Waugh, signaling a significant push to expand the global reach of cricket. The league, featuring city-based teams from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, is now slated to begin on August 26th.
Delayed Launch Gains Momentum
Originally planned for 2025, the ETPL faced postponement due to incomplete franchise sales. However, agreements have now been reached for three franchises, attracting investors from Australia and New Zealand. This development marks a turning point for the league, which aims to establish a strong foothold in continental Europe.
Amsterdam Flames Secure Australian Talent
Steve Waugh is leading the investment group behind the Amsterdam Flames, backed by a consortium including former Australian field hockey player Jamie Dwyer and Australian businessman Tim Thomas. The Flames have already made significant player acquisitions, signing Australian internationals Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh as key overseas players.
“I’m not signing up to a Mickey Mouse T20 competition. This is the real deal,” Waugh told BBC Sport, underscoring his confidence in the league’s potential. “I wouldn’t be lending my name to it, or bringing my knowledge, if it wasn’t. The players we’ve spoken to are very keen to play in this league.”
Bollywood Star and Indian Firm Back the League
The ETPL also benefits from the involvement of Abhishek Bachchan, a Bollywood actor and film producer, in partnership with Rules Sport Tech, a private Indian company. Franchise sales reportedly totaled £11.1 million ($15 million) over a 10-year period, demonstrating substantial financial backing.
Financial Structure and ICC Support
Teams will operate with a salary budget of approximately £1.1 million ($1.5 million) per season. The league is being developed in close collaboration with the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, and has received sanctioning from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC views the ETPL as a valuable platform for the broader development of cricket within Europe.
Bachchan expressed optimism about the league’s future, stating that, with “the quality of players signing on,” everything about the tournament “will be world class.” He added, “We are all primed and ready to go but the true hard work starts now. We are very confident of the stakeholders we have on board and expect the ETPL will establish itself in the global ecosystem of franchise tournaments.”
