Rahane Signs Up with Amsterdam Flames for Debut ETPL Season

Ajinkya Rahane is all set for his first overseas T20 stint after joining Amsterdam Flames as their marquee player for the first edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The franchise confirmed the signing on August 7, just eight days after the former India captain announced his retirement from international and IPL cricket.

Rahane is mostly known for his performances in red-ball cricket, but he has played 308 T20 matches during his career. He has made 7,968 runs in the format at an average of 30.29 and a strike rate of 126.77, including 56 fifties and two centuries.

Rahane’s Vision for European Cricket

In a statement issued by the Amsterdam Flames, Rahane said, “Cricket has given me so much, and I’ve always believed that players have a responsibility to leave the game stronger than they found it. 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. I’m excited to work alongside the management to build a successful franchise while helping inspire the next generation and strengthen cricket’s future across Europe,” he added.

Steve Waugh Welcomes Rahane’s Arrival

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh, who co-founded the Flames and serves as their Chief Cricket Officer, also spoke highly of Rahane’s arrival.

“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,” Waugh said.

“I’ve seen first-hand the composure and leadership he brings under pressure, and those qualities help shape winning cultures. His experience, leadership and character will be invaluable as we build Amsterdam Flames into one of Europe’s premier cricket clubs,” he added.

ETPL co-owner Abhishek Bachchan also praised the signing, calling Rahane’s arrival a major moment for Amsterdam Flames and the new tournament.

“Players of Ajinkya’s calibre not only raise the standard of the competition but also inspire and mentor the next generation of European cricketers,” Bachchan said.

The Amsterdam Flames squad will be captained by Australia’s T20 skipper Mitchell Marsh and also features Steve Smith, Tim David and Michael Bracewell. Ryan Cook has been appointed head coach.

Inaugural ETPL Season

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is a cross-border franchise T20 competition backed by the cricket boards of Scotland, Ireland and Netherlands. Six teams will take part in this season. The participating teams are Belfast Wolves, Amsterdam Flames, Dublin Guardians, Glasgow Cosmic, Rotterdam Dockers and Edinburgh Castle Rockers

The Inaugural ETPL season will begin on August 26, with 30 league matches followed by a Qualifier on September 19 and the final on September 20. Games will be held in Malahide, Ireland, and Voorburg, Netherlands.

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