New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) Drawing on his experiences with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and South Africa’s SA20, former South Africa cricketer and Rotterdam Dockers co-owner Jonty Rhodes believes the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) can play a transformative role in developing cricket across the continent.

Rhodes said the league’s long-term objective should be to expand Europe’s talent pool and strengthen grassroots cricket, rather than merely producing a champion team. He made the remarks after Rotterdam selected emerging Ireland international Jai Moondra with their opening pick.

Asked whether the quality of talent available in the draft reflected Europe’s readiness to consistently produce players capable of succeeding in competitions such as the IPL, Big Bash League (BBL) and SA20, the former South African was optimistic about the league’s wider impact.

“Absolutely. I think just to echo what Glenn Maxwell said earlier about what would be a successful tournament. Yes, winning the trophy is important, but it’s about growing this talent pool,” Rhodes said while replying to an IANS query during a media interaction following the conclusion of the 2026 Player Draft.

Having worked in the IPL since 2009 and later witnessing the rapid rise of SA20, Rhodes said franchise leagues have shown how they can reshape the cricketing landscape beyond the professional level.

“And we also look a lot deeper than just the international players that are available. We’re also looking from a grassroots perspective. And that’s what I’ve seen with obviously having worked in the Indian Premier League since 2009, which was year two. And then seeing the South African T20 really up close and personal and seeing the success of that tournament,” he added.

Rhodes explained that the SA20 had reignited public interest in cricket in South Africa at a time when the sport had slipped behind rugby in popularity.

“And what it’s done for cricket in South Africa, which to be honest, had kind of tapered off in popularity. Because we’ve had such a dominant rugby team, national rugby team, that’s won two consecutive World Cups. So, cricket has certainly taken a back stage,” Rhodes stated.

He added that successful sporting events have the power to inspire young people, citing an example from his own family. “But the SA20 does that. It excites. I mean, my kids are up. It’s 7 a.m. this morning. It’s about five degrees outside. But they’ve been kicking a football around because the FIFA World Cup is on, right? So, things like this that inspire, you know, the youth of a country.”

For Rhodes, that is precisely the opportunity ETPL presents as it looks to establish itself in Europe’s cricketing landscape, as he said, “It’s not just for fringe players or international players. It’s about developing and growing the pool at grassroots level. So, I think that for us will be a key factor. You know, we want to leave the game in a better place than what we found.”

The 55-year-old also stressed that the league’s ambitions should stretch beyond the established European cricket nations. Having coached Sweden for two-and-a-half years, Rhodes said he had witnessed first-hand the passion for cricket across the continent.

“And it’s certainly healthy. It’s certainly alive and kicking in Europe. And having worked in Sweden for two and a half years, it’s bigger than just Ireland, the Netherlands, and Scotland. You know, although the focus is here initially with the ETPL,” Rhodes expressed.

Rhodes believes nurturing that wider ecosystem will be central to the league’s success.

“It’s, I think, 30-odd countries that are members of the ICC. And having coached the Swedish team for two seasons, it was really fascinating to see how passionate people are about cricket throughout Europe. So, that will be a big part of what we try to do is ensure that the feeders, you know, so the grassroots, is developed as well at the same time as the top-class players,” he stressed.

–IANS

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