South African trio Faf du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen have formed a consortium to acquire the Rotterdam franchise in a new European Twenty20 league, organisers said on Thursday.
Former Proteas skipper Du Plessis will also lead the side in the inaugural season of the six-team European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which is set to run from 26 August to 20 September across six European cities.
🚨Jonty Rhodes 🤝 Faf du Plessis 🤝 Heinrich Klaasen🚨
— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial) April 30, 2026
South African legends join forces as co-owners of ETPL's Rotterdam franchise,⁰Faf Du Plessis to captain the team.@RDockersetpl pic.twitter.com/eExpcPT7IQ
"This is my first step into team ownership, and the timing couldn't be better with European cricket gaining real momentum," Du Plessis said in a statement.
"Having experienced franchise leagues across the world, I see immense potential in what the ETPL is building. I'm looking forward to contributing both on and off the field and helping shape a strong cricketing culture within our team."
Huib van Walsem, chief executive officer of the Dutch cricket association (KNCB), hailed the development as a major boost for cricket in the Netherlands.
"At KNCB, we have long believed in the immense potential of the Dutch cricketing ecosystem, and the involvement of such experienced cricket figures will bring both competitive cricket and attract quality talent to the region," he said.
"Steve Smith. Mitchell Marsh. Tim David. The cream of the crop. The guys you see in the top leagues in the world."
— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial) April 30, 2026
That is the level and Faf du Plessis wants in. 🏏 pic.twitter.com/tbOUddQk3T
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh, compatriot Glenn Maxwell, New Zealanders Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, and West Indies stalwart Chris Gayle are among the other co-owners in the T20 league.
The competition will also feature city-based franchises in Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast.
"The league continues to gather momentum with globally respected names investing in its vision," ETPL co-owner and Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan said.
"Ownership groups like this set the standard for what the ETPL aims to create, both on and off the field. Together, we are committed to building something truly transformative for the sport in Europe."
The success of the Indian Premier League has inspired similar competitions around the world. The money on offer at franchise-based leagues has led some players to prioritise the format over tests and one-day internationals.