Three well-known South African cricketers, Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen, have come together to purchase the fifth franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) based in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
This move is a significant step for the league, which is rapidly gaining popularity as an exciting new cricket competition set to kick off in six European cities this August. The Rotterdam franchise will be part of the inaugural season, running from August 26 to September 20, with six city-based teams competing for titles.
Jonty Rhodes expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the potential of the ETPL to unify and elevate European cricket. Faf du Plessis, on the other hand, sees immense potential in the league and looks forward to contributing on and off the field to shape a strong cricketing culture within their team.
Abhishek Bachchan, a Bollywood actor and co-owner of the ETPL, welcomed the three cricketers into franchise ownership, emphasizing the league’s growing momentum and the transformative vision it aims to achieve. The involvement of experienced cricket figures like Rhodes, du Plessis, and Klaasen is seen as a positive development that will enhance cricket in the Netherlands and attract quality talent to the region.
Huib van Walsem, CEO of the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB), hailed the arrival of the South African cricketers as franchise owners in Rotterdam, noting the positive impact it will have on cricket in the Netherlands. The move is expected to bring competitive cricket, attract talent, and support the growth of the sport in the region.
