Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has joined Amsterdam Flames as a marquee player for the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL), saying the opportunity allows him to make a global impact and help develop cricket in Europe.
The tournament will be held from August 26 to September 20, with matches scheduled across Dublin, Ireland, and The Hague, Netherlands.
Rahane revealed that the offer arrived on the very day he announced his retirement from international cricket last month.
“It’s a great opportunity for me. When I announced my retirement…I think the same day this opportunity came up. I took a day to probably think through it. (Flames co-owner) Steve (Waugh), personally, called me and asked me about if I’m interested to play for his team,” Rahane said.
The veteran batter believes his experience can benefit both the franchise and emerging European cricketers.
“The amount of experience I have, the amount of cricket I have played for so many years with a certain attitude, certain mindset, I thought it’s a great opportunity for me to go out there, probably create an impact globally. Share my experience with other players. So I’m really looking forward to this stint with the ETPL.”
Rahane also backed the league’s potential to accelerate cricket’s growth in Europe, highlighting the steady progress made by Ireland and the Netherlands in recent years.
“This (ETPL) gives them that exposure to play with different players, play with international players. When you play with international players, individually, they learn a lot. That’s why I said, this is a great platform for them.”
He added that the competition could open new doors for local talent through greater exposure and scouting opportunities.
Meanwhile, Steve Waugh, Co-Founder and Chief Cricket Officer of Amsterdam Flames, welcomed Rahane’s signing, calling him the ideal professional.
“Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer — skill, resilience, humility and leadership. Throughout his career he has earned enormous respect across the cricket world, not only for his performances but for the way he has conducted himself on and off the field.”