South African Cricket Legends Launch New Franchise in European T20 League

Three renowned South African cricketers, Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen, are set to make their mark in the European T20 Premier League by acquiring a franchise in Rotterdam. This venture aims to elevate cricket in Europe, with the league debuting in August 2026. The involvement of these cricket legends is expected to enhance the competitive landscape and attract talent to the region. With a commitment to nurturing young players and building a strong cricketing culture, this initiative marks a significant milestone for the sport in Europe. Read on to discover more about their vision and the league's exciting future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 30, 2026, 11:46 IST

Cricket Icons Expand Their Horizons

Three prominent cricketers from South Africa—Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen—are venturing into franchise ownership by acquiring the fifth team in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which is the first ICC-sanctioned T20 league in Europe, located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Madhukar Shree will serve as the Managing Partner. This announcement signifies a significant step for a league that is quickly becoming one of the most eagerly awaited new competitions in global cricket, set to launch in six European cities this August.

Inaugural Season Details

The Rotterdam franchise will participate in the league's inaugural season, which is scheduled from August 26 to September 20, 2026. A total of 33 matches will be played among six city-based franchises: Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam, marking a pivotal moment for cricket in Europe.

Insights from the South African Stars

Jonty Rhodes expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The ETPL offers a remarkable opportunity. We've witnessed Europe's cricketing potential on the global stage, particularly during recent ICC events. The region requires a robust commercial framework to unify and enhance this ecosystem, and the ETPL provides that, fostering talent development and strengthening the game across Europe. I'm thrilled to be part of this journey."

Faf du Plessis shared his excitement about joining the franchise, saying, "It's special to partner with Jonty and Klassy in this venture. This marks my initial foray into team ownership, and the timing aligns perfectly with the growing momentum of European cricket. Having participated in various franchise leagues worldwide, I recognize the immense potential of the ETPL. I look forward to contributing both on and off the field to cultivate a strong cricketing culture within our team."

ETPL Welcomes New Franchise Owners

Abhishek Bachchan, an actor and Co-owner of ETPL, remarked, "Welcoming these three cricket legends into franchise ownership is an honor. The league is gaining traction with respected figures investing in its vision. Ownership groups like this set the benchmark for what the ETPL aims to achieve, both on and off the field. Together, we are dedicated to creating something transformative for the sport in Europe."

Positive Developments for Dutch Cricket

Huib van Walsem, CEO of the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB), stated, "The involvement of Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen as franchise owners in Rotterdam is a promising development for cricket in the Netherlands. We have long recognized the potential of the Dutch cricket ecosystem, and the participation of such experienced figures will enhance competitive cricket and attract quality talent to the region. This is a significant moment for us, providing an opportunity to support the growth of the sport and strengthen grassroots development."

Heinrich Klaasen added, "Rotterdam is a city driven by ambition, which is the mindset we want our franchise to embody. European cricket is on the rise, and I've seen how the right investment and structure can unlock a market's full potential. We're not just here to own a team; we're here to build something that the city and its fans can be proud of. I'm eager to get started."

A Star-Studded Ownership Landscape

Dhiraj Malhotra, Co-founder of ETPL, commented, "With years of experience in franchise cricket, I've witnessed how crucial the vision and pedigree of franchise owners are to a league's long-term success. Jonty, Faf, and Klaasen bring not only global experience and cricketing insight but also a strong commitment to mentoring young talent, which will be invaluable in developing both the team and the broader cricket ecosystem in Europe."

The announcement of the Rotterdam franchise adds to an already impressive ownership roster within the league. The Amsterdam franchise is supported by Steve Waugh and hockey legend Jamie Dwyer, while Glenn Maxwell co-owns the Belfast team. Edinburgh's franchise is backed by Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, and Chris Gayle co-owns the Glasgow team.