Tim David on how R Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane boost ETPL’s global appeal

The European T20 Premier League began on August 26 and will run until September 20, featuring six city-based franchises across Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. The tournament is an ICC-approved T20 competition that started with its first leg at the Voorburg Cricket Club in the Netherlands before moving to the Malahide Cricket Club in Ireland from September 9. The competition has attracted several high-profile cricketers from around the world.

Tim David, who plays for Amsterdam Flames, highlighted the significance of having Indian cricket legends in the league. David explained that the presence of these established players brings considerable value to the tournament’s standing and appeal. He noted the impact their participation has on both the competition’s profile and the experience of local players.

“It’s great to have those guys in the league. It gives the tournament a profile for sure. They also have a huge fan following after successful international careers. It’s great to play with those guys. I have played a fair bit against them in the IPL, but for a lot of local players here who haven’t played in the IPL or haven’t played international cricket, it’s pretty cool for them to rub shoulders with players of such profile,” David told ETPL.

Why Indian legends strengthen the ETPL’s profile

Ravichandran Ashwin, the spin great, is leading the Dublin Guardians franchise as captain-cum-mentor. Ajinkya Rahane, who announced his retirement from international and Indian cricket in late July, is representing the Amsterdam Flames. Both players bring decades of international experience to the competition. Ashwin’s participation marks his second franchise T20 competition since his retirement from the IPL at the end of the 2025 season.

David’s excitement about the tournament’s inaugural year

David also reflected on the excitement of being part of a tournament in its inaugural year. He acknowledged the developmental nature of the competition and expressed enthusiasm about playing in both the Netherlands and Ireland for the first time. The tournament’s expansion across two countries and its growing roster of international talent continues to shape its trajectory.

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“It’s great to be part of a tournament that’s in its first year. It’s going to develop a lot. We just finished the leg in Holland and we are now starting in Ireland. It’s the first time I am playing in both countries, so it is going to be exciting,” David said.