ASHWIN, STEVE SMITH, FAF DU PLESSIS GET LOCAL CORE AS ETPL HOLDS INAUGURAL DRAFT

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) moved a step closer to its inaugural season after successfully conducting its first-ever player draft on Wednesday. Players from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands were distributed among the tournament’s six franchises, giving each side a balanced local core ahead of the competition, which is scheduled to run from August 26 to September 20.

The draft followed the league’s equal-allocation model, with exactly 12 players each from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands selected across the franchises. The local talent will now join an impressive list of international stars, creating a strong mix of homegrown and overseas players for the league’s debut edition.

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The biggest talking point from the draft was Ireland fast bowler Jai Moondra, who was picked by Rotterdam Dockers with their first-round selection. Moondra has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting pace bowlers following his dream international debut against India. During Ireland’s historic T20I series win, the youngster dismissed Sanju Samson twice while also removing Shivam Dube and several other Indian batters, significantly boosting his reputation ahead of the ETPL.

Elsewhere, Curtis Campher became Amsterdam Flames’ first local pick, while Benjamin Calitz joined Dublin Guardians. Scotland pacer Brad Currie was selected by Glasgow Cosmic, whereas Ireland all-rounder Gareth Delany became Edinburgh Castle Rockers’ marquee local signing.

The franchises already feature several of world cricket’s biggest names through direct signings. Amsterdam Flames boast Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Bracewell, Scott Edwards and Bas de Leede. Rotterdam Dockers have assembled a star-studded South African contingent featuring Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, Donovan Ferreira and Anrich Nortje, alongside Major League Cricket standout Mitchell Owen.

Dublin Guardians will be captained and mentored by Ravichandran Ashwin under the guidance of Rahul Dravid. Glasgow Cosmic have signed Finn Allen, Lungi Ngidi, Duan Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques, who now represents Portugal. Edinburgh Castle Rockers have secured New Zealand stars Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult, while Belfast Wolves will be led by Glenn Maxwell, who also serves as co-owner of the franchise.

Several legendary figures are also involved off the field. Matthew Hayden will coach Glasgow Cosmic, James Foster takes charge of Edinburgh Castle Rockers, while Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh and Jonty Rhodes are among the prominent names supporting the league’s development.

With the inaugural draft complete and marquee signings already announced, the ETPL has laid a solid foundation for its first season as it aims to establish itself as Europe’s premier franchise T20 competition.