Belfast among first franchise cities confirmed by European T20 Premier League
The European T20 Premier League announced the owners of its first three franchises at an international press conference in Sydney. Pic: Orlando Sydney Corporate Photography
The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has confirmed Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Belfast as the first franchise cities to join the competition which is scheduled to begin in the last week of August.Â
Belfast will be owned by Australian all-rounder 'The Big Show' Glenn Maxwell together with Rohan Lund, a former group CEO of NRMA.
"I am thrilled to be involved with the Irish Wolves, where we will build a culture of fun, family and playing without fear," said Maxwell.
"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."
Amsterdam will be owned by a group led by Australian cricket great Steve Waugh, a former Australian captain and World Cup winner.
Edinburgh will be owned by former New Zealand internationals Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills.
“The launch of the European T20 Premier League is not only a landmark occasion for European cricket, but is a crucial step forward in the development and growth of Irish cricket, " said Brian MacNiece, the chairperson of the ETPL, who is also a non-executive director on the board of Cricket Ireland.
"Since gaining full membership, we have made steady and sustainable steps forward as a sport — but over the next few years we are set for an enormous leap.
“Starting with the development of this league, we then have our centenary celebrations in 2027, the return of cricket to the Olympics in 2028, the opening of our new stadium — supported by the Irish Government — in Dublin in 2029 and co-hosting the T20 World Cup in 2030. "
