Rotterdam: In a major boost to European cricket, South African stars Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen have joined hands to acquire the Rotterdam franchise in the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The trio will co-own the team, with Madhukar Shree as Managing Partner, marking a significant step in the league’s rapid rise ahead of its inaugural season.
The ETPL, Europe’s first ICC-sanctioned T20 league, is set to be played from August 26 to September 20, 2026, featuring six city-based teams—Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Belfast. A total of 33 matches will be played, highlighting Europe’s growing footprint in global cricket.
Faf du Plessis, who will also captain the Rotterdam side, called the move his first step into franchise ownership, expressing excitement about contributing both on and off the field. Jonty Rhodes emphasized the league’s potential to unify and strengthen Europe’s cricketing ecosystem, while Heinrich Klaasen highlighted the ambition to build a team that reflects Rotterdam’s spirit.
The league has already attracted global attention, with Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan among its co-owners. Other franchises also feature prominent names like Steve Waugh, Glenn Maxwell, and Chris Gayle.
With such high-profile involvement, the ETPL is poised to transform cricket in Europe, creating new opportunities for talent development and global recognition
