Amsterdam: Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has signed with the Amsterdam Flames as the franchise\u2019s marquee player for the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), set to begin August 26.<\/p>\n
On July 30, Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket and all formats. Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India, while his final international appearance came against the West Indies in a two-game Test series in July 2023.<\/p>\n
\u201cCricket has given me so much, and I\u2019ve 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\u2019s most promising frontiers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat impressed me about Amsterdam Flames is the ambition to build something meaningful that creates a lasting impact both on and off the field. I\u2019m excited to work alongside the management to build a successful franchise while helping inspire the next generation and strengthen cricket\u2019s future across Europe,\u201d Rahane said in a statement issued by the tournament Friday.<\/p>\n
Rahane is currently in England as a commentator for the Hundred. Steve Waugh, the former Australia captain who\u2019s the co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer of Amsterdam Flames, welcomed Rahane into the set-up. \u201cAjinkya Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer \u2013 skill, resilience, humility and leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout 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. I\u2019ve 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\u2019s premier cricket clubs.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the IPL, Rahane played 212 games for six teams and amassed 5367 in the tournament, including captaining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2025 and 2026 seasons and being a tournament winner with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2023.<\/p>\n
Abhishek Bachchan, Co-owner of the ETPL, highlighted the significance of Rahane\u2019s signing for the upcoming league. \u201cAjinkya Rahane joining Steve Waugh\u2019s Amsterdam Flames is a significant moment for both the franchise and the ETPL and another important milestone in our vision to accelerate the growth of cricket across Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlayers of Ajinkya\u2019s calibre not only raise the standard of the competition but also inspire and mentor the next generation of European cricketers. We are delighted to welcome him to the ETPL family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Echoing similar sentiments, Tim Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Amsterdam Flames, termed Rahane\u2019s recruitment as a landmark event for the club. \u201cSigning a player of Ajinkya Rahane\u2019s calibre is a defining moment for Amsterdam Flames. This is about much more than adding an outstanding cricketer, it is about establishing the standards, culture and ambition that will define our club for years to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cAjinkya\u2019s professionalism, experience and leadership perfectly align with our vision of building a franchise that competes at the highest level while making a lasting contribution to the growth of cricket across Europe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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