Steve Waugh, Glenn Maxwell and Chris Gayle among big names backing teams as the European T20 Premier League gears up for its August launch

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To align with one of the best T20 leagues in the world, build a strong South African identity, and contribute to the growth of European cricket, Faf du Plessis has taken a major step by co-owning a franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), set to debut this August.

Du Plessis, along with Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen, has formed a consortium to acquire the Rotterdam franchise in the six-team competition. The tournament will feature 33 matches and run from August 26 to September 20 across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Both du Plessis and Klaasen will not only co-own the team but also play, with du Plessis leading the side as captain.

Speaking about his decision, du Plessis highlighted the importance of associating with top-tier global T20 leagues. As a seasoned franchise cricketer, he emphasized the appeal of contributing to a fresh and ambitious tournament while bringing in his experience from leagues around the world.

The Rotterdam franchise becomes the fifth team in the ETPL to secure ownership. Earlier franchises include Amsterdam, backed by Steve Waugh; Belfast, co-owned by Glenn Maxwell; Edinburgh, supported by Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum; and Glasgow, co-owned by Chris Gayle. Dublin completes the six-team lineup.

Rhodes, who has closely observed the rise of cricket in Europe through coaching stints and travels across countries like Germany, Italy, and France, expressed his vision of building a sustainable cricket ecosystem with a South African touch. He noted that while early teams had strong Australian and New Zealand backing, their consortium aims to bring balance with a distinct South African influence.

Several international stars are already expected to participate in the ETPL, including Steve Smith, Mitchell Santner, Mitchell Marsh, and Scott Edwards, with talks ongoing for Tim David. The growing list of global names has strengthened the league’s appeal.

For Klaasen, the decision to invest was straightforward. Having transitioned into a freelance T20 cricketer after retiring from international cricket, he sees the ETPL as both a business opportunity and a platform to expand the game into new territories. He also expressed excitement about playing in Europe, a region where he has had limited exposure so far.

Despite the buzz, the ETPL faces the challenge of establishing itself in regions where cricket is still developing. While countries like the Netherlands, Scotland, and Ireland have dedicated fanbases, they remain smaller compared to traditional powerhouses such as England, South Africa, and cricket-dominant regions in Asia.

Du Plessis stressed the importance of delivering a high-quality product to attract fans and ensure long-term success. He pointed out that investing in entertainment, star power, and fan engagement will be crucial in building interest and sustaining growth.

He also underlined the responsibility of franchises to go beyond a short tournament window by developing grassroots pathways and nurturing local talent. According to him, long-term success will depend on creating a strong cricketing ecosystem rather than focusing solely on a few weeks of competition.

The ETPL also introduces a unique model where franchise owners like Maxwell, du Plessis, and Klaasen will actively participate as players. If successful, this approach could inspire more current and former cricketers to invest in leagues globally, contributing not just to player development but to the overall growth of the sport.