Jason Roy signs with Glasgow Cosmic for inaugural ETPL season
Synopsis
Jason Roy, England's white-ball veteran with a T20 strike rate of 137, has joined Glasgow Cosmic for the European T20 Premier League's debut edition — a league spanning four nations that could reshape professional cricket in Europe. It is a significant bet by a new franchise on a proven big-game batter who still has plenty left to offer outside international cricket.
Key Takeaways
Glasgow Cosmic signed Jason Roy on 11 August for the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) season.
Roy, 36 , has a career T20 strike rate of 137 and last played for England in 2023 .
The ETPL features six franchises from Ireland , Northern Ireland , the Netherlands , and Scotland .
The inaugural edition runs from 26 August to 20 September .
Team principal Rashid Ali Khan and co-owner Tansha Batra both described Roy's signing as a statement of the franchise's ambitions.
Glasgow Cosmic on Tuesday, 11 August confirmed the signing of England international opener Jason Roy for the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), adding one of the most explosive top-order batters in global T20 cricket to their squad ahead of the tournament's debut edition.
Who Is Jason Roy
The 36-year-old, South Africa-born batter is renowned for his aggressive stroke play at the top of the order, carrying a career T20 strike rate of 137. Roy was a central figure in England's white-ball successes across the past decade but has not represented his country since 2023. He has, however, remained active in first-class cricket and professional T20 leagues worldwide, keeping his game sharp ahead of this new chapter.
What Roy Said
Roy expressed enthusiasm about the move. 'I got very excited when the captain called me to check if I was available, and I was ready,' he said. 'I'm really looking forward to joining Glasgow Cosmic and being part of this exciting journey.'
What the Franchise Said
Rashid Ali Khan, team principal and CEO of Glasgow Cosmic, described the signing as a statement of intent. 'Jason is one of the most accomplished players of his generation, with a proven record on the biggest stages of international cricket. His experience with England and across global cricket brings exceptional quality, match-winning ability and a wealth of big-game experience to our squad. His signing is a strong statement of our ambition, and we are confident he will make a significant impact on our campaign,' Khan said.
Tansha Batra, co-owner of Glasgow Cosmic, added: 'Jason brings immense international experience, proven match-winning ability, and the kind of explosive energy that can define a T20 side. Having a player of his calibre is a fantastic addition to the squad, and we are excited to see him in Cosmic colours.'
About the ETPL
The European T20 Premier League is a new franchise-based T20 competition featuring six teams drawn from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, and Scotland. The inaugural edition runs from 26 August to 20 September, marking a significant milestone for cricket's growth in Europe.
Glasgow Cosmic's Squad Build-Up
Roy's addition continues Glasgow Cosmic's push to assemble a competitive roster for their debut campaign. The franchise has positioned itself as one of the more ambitious outfits in the league, and signing a batter of Roy's pedigree signals that ambition clearly. With the tournament just weeks away, the focus will now shift to how Cosmic's assembled talent gels under match conditions.
Point of View
Which matters for a league still building its global profile. The harder question is whether the ETPL can sustain the commercial momentum needed to attract this tier of player in future seasons, or whether the first edition becomes a proof-of-concept that stalls without a broadcast and sponsorship foundation to match its ambitions.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jason Roy and why has he joined Glasgow Cosmic?
Jason Roy is a 36-year-old England international opener known for aggressive top-order batting, with a T20 strike rate of 137. He has signed with Glasgow Cosmic to play in the inaugural European T20 Premier League, which begins on 26 August.
What is the European T20 Premier League (ETPL)?
The ETPL is a new franchise-based T20 cricket competition featuring six teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, and Scotland. Its inaugural edition runs from 26 August to 20 September.
When did Jason Roy last play for England?
Jason Roy last represented England in 2023. He has since continued playing first-class cricket and featuring in professional T20 leagues around the world.
Who owns Glasgow Cosmic?
Glasgow Cosmic's leadership includes team principal and CEO Rashid Ali Khan and co-owner Tansha Batra, both of whom have spoken publicly about their ambitions for the franchise in the ETPL's debut season.
When does the ETPL inaugural season begin?
The first edition of the European T20 Premier League begins on 26 August and concludes on 20 September, with six franchises competing across four European cricket nations.
