Former Australia captain Steve Waugh is set to embark on a new venture in cricket by becoming an investor in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). This league aims to bring one of the most exciting formats of the game to Europe and will feature prominent players like Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh.
The ETPL, co-founded by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, has recently announced the owners of its initial franchises, which are located in Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Belfast. Waugh leads the ownership group for the Amsterdam franchise, while former New Zealand cricketers Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills will own the Edinburgh team. Additionally, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has taken ownership of the Belfast franchise.
Organizers are in the process of finalizing deals for additional franchises in Dublin, Glasgow, and Rotterdam, with expectations to complete these arrangements by the end of February. Originally slated for a 2025 launch, the six-team competition has been rescheduled and is now anticipated to kick off in late August.
Waugh expressed enthusiasm about the Amsterdam Flames’ roster, which has already signed notable players Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh, the latter serving as Australia’s T20 captain. Waugh articulated that the opportunity to invest in the ETPL was appealing due to its focus on aspiration and long-term vision.
Reflecting on his involvement, Waugh remarked that this role represents a return to cricket, albeit from a different perspective. He emphasized the importance of maintaining cricket’s standards and spirit while fostering its growth across Europe, an area he identifies as the sport’s “last great frontier.”
Maxwell also highlighted the potential for cricket in Ireland, acknowledging the passion of the Irish people for sports and the significant progress made by Cricket Ireland in expanding the game over the past twenty years.
Saurav Banerjee, co-founder of the ETPL, noted that Europe is home to over 30 International Cricket Council members, yet much of its cricketing landscape remains under-commercialized. This presents a valuable opportunity for structured growth within the sport on the continent.