Jonty Rhodes, du Plessis, Klaasen acquire Rotterdam franchise in ICC-approved ETPL
Synopsis
Three South African cricket stalwarts—Rhodes, du Plessis, and Klaasen—have invested in Rotterdam's ETPL franchise as Europe's first ICC-approved T20 tournament prepares for launch in August. The move underscores growing momentum in European cricket, with globally recognised ownership groups now backing the league's vision to build a sustainable competitive ecosystem across the continent.
Key Takeaways
Jonty Rhodes , Faf du Plessis , and Heinrich Klaasen acquired the Rotterdam franchise in the ETPL on 30 April .
The ETPL is Europe's first ICC-approved T20 tournament, launching across six cities in August 2024.
The inaugural season runs from 26 August to 20 September with 33 matches across Glasgow , Amsterdam , Edinburgh , Dublin , Belfast , and Rotterdam .
Other franchises are backed by Steve Waugh and Jamie Dwyer (Amsterdam), Glenn Maxwell (Belfast), Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum (Edinburgh), and Chris Gayle (Glasgow).
Madhukar Shree serves as Managing Partner for the Rotterdam franchise.
Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen have jointly acquired the Rotterdam franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), Europe's first ICC-approved T20 tournament. The acquisition, announced on 30 April, marks the fifth franchise secured in the league, which is set to launch across six European cities in August 2024. Madhukar Shree has joined as Managing Partner for the Rotterdam outfit.
Tournament structure and timeline
The inaugural ETPL season will run from 26 August to 20 September, featuring 33 matches across six city-based franchises: Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam. The league represents a historic milestone for cricket in Europe, offering a structured commercial framework to develop the sport at both grassroots and elite levels across the continent.
Why the trio acquired Rotterdam
Rhodes stated that the ETPL presents a compelling opportunity to unify Europe's cricketing ecosystem.
Point of View
Australia, and New Zealand now as owners, the ETPL has credibility. Yet the real test lies ahead: can a six-city, 33-match tournament sustain broadcast interest, attract quality bowlers, and develop local talent simultaneously? Europe's cricket infrastructure remains fragmented—the ETPL's success hinges on whether it becomes a talent pipeline or merely an exhibition circuit for retired stars.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the European T20 Premier League (ETPL)?
The ETPL is Europe's first ICC-approved T20 tournament, launching in August 2024 across six cities: Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam. The inaugural season runs from 26 August to 20 September with 33 matches.
Who owns the Rotterdam franchise in the ETPL?
Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen jointly acquired the Rotterdam franchise, with Madhukar Shree serving as Managing Partner. The announcement was made on 30 April.
When will the ETPL inaugural season take place?
The first ETPL season is scheduled from 26 August to 20 September 2024, featuring 33 matches across six city-based franchises.
Which other franchises have been acquired and by whom?
Amsterdam is backed by Steve Waugh and hockey legend Jamie Dwyer; Belfast is co-owned by Glenn Maxwell; Edinburgh is backed by Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum; Glasgow is co-owned by Chris Gayle.
Why is the ETPL significant for European cricket?
The ETPL is the first ICC-approved T20 tournament in Europe with a structured commercial framework. It aims to create pathways to identify and nurture talent, strengthen grassroots development, and elevate cricket across the continent.
