Ajinkya Rahane Signs for Amsterdam Flames in European T20 Premier League

Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has signed with Amsterdam Flames for the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), marking the next chapter of his career after recently announcing his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League.

Rahane joins an impressive Amsterdam Flames squad that already features several established international stars as the franchise prepares for the tournament's debut season later this month.

Steve Waugh Welcomes Rahane

Amsterdam Flames co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer Steve Waugh praised Rahane's appointment, highlighting both his cricketing ability and leadership qualities."Ajinkya 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."I've seen first-hand the composure and leadership he brings under pressure, and those qualities help shape winning cultures."

Rahane Excited by European Cricket's Growth

Rahane believes Europe has significant potential to become one of cricket's fastest-growing regions and said the Flames' long-term vision played a major role in his decision."Europe is entering an exciting phase and has the potential to become one of cricket's most promising frontiers."What impressed me about Amsterdam Flames is the ambition to build something meaningful that creates a lasting impact both on and off the field."

Star-Studded Flames Squad

Rahane joins a strong Amsterdam Flames lineup led by Australia's T20 captain Mitchell Marsh.

The squad also includes:

• Steve Smith
• Tim David
• Michael Bracewell

Former Netherlands head coach Ryan Cook has been appointed as the team's head coach.

About the European T20 Premier League

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is a new cross-border franchise competition jointly sanctioned by the cricket boards of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

The inaugural tournament features six franchises:

• Amsterdam Flames
• Belfast Wolves
• Dublin Guardians
• Edinburgh Castle Rockers
• Glasgow Cosmic
• Rotterdam Dockers

Tournament Schedule

The first edition of the ETPL begins on August 26, 2026.

The competition will feature:

• 30 league matches
• Qualifier – September 19
• Final – September 20

Matches will be hosted across two venues:

• Malahide, Ireland
• Voorburg, Netherlands

Rahane's arrival adds further international pedigree to the new competition as European cricket continues its efforts to establish a high-quality franchise league capable of attracting some of the biggest names in the game.

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