Aussie superstars sign for new European T20 league backed by cricket legend Waugh

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh and batting champion Steve Smith are among the high-profile names that have signed up for the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League.

On Wednesday, the ETPL announced the owners of its first three franchises, with former Australian captain Steve Waugh announced as a co-owner of the Amsterdam team alongside hockey legend Jamie Dwyer.

“I’ve always been selective about where I invest my time and energy in cricket,” Waugh said in a statement.

“Franchise cricket has expanded quickly, but this opportunity stood out because it is driven by aspiration and long-term thinking. In many ways, it marks a return to the game for me – but in a very different role. This is about helping uphold the standards and spirit of cricket while supporting its growth into Europe, which remains the game’s last great frontier.”

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The Netherlands-based franchise, which is expected to be named the Amsterdam Flames, have already signed Marsh as overseas player, while Smith and Australian pinch-hitter Tim David have also reportedly put pen to paper.

Elsewhere, Australian superstar Glenn Maxwell has acquired a stake in the Beflast franchise, which is expected to be called the Irish Wolves.

“I am thrilled to be involved with the Irish Wolves, where we will build a culture of fun, family and playing without fear,” Maxwell said in a statement.

“The Irish people love their sport and Cricket Ireland have made huge strides in expanding the game over the last two decades. The Wolves and the European T20 Premier League will accelerate that growth and I feel super proud to be leading the franchise in its inaugural year.”

The Edinburgh franchise, set to be called the Castle Rockers, is co-owned by former New Zealand cricketers Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills.

Deals for the remaining franchises in Dublin, Glasgow and Rotterdam are anticipated to be completed by the end of February, while the inaugural tournament is reportedly set to commence in August, although dates are yet to be confirmed.

More to come…