Rahane joins Amsterdam Flames for inaugural ETPL season

Ajinkya Rahane is set for his maiden overseas T20 gig after signing with Amsterdam Flames as their marquee player for the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Eight days after the former India captain ended his international and IPL career, the signing was made public on Friday.

While largely renowned for his exploits in whites, Rahane boasts of a rich experience of 308 T20s to his credit. In the format, he has scored 7968 runs at an average of 30.29 and a strike rate of 126.77, including 56 half-centuries and two hundreds.

"Cricket has given me so much, and I've always believed that players should leave the game better than they found it. Europe is entering an exciting phase and has the potential to become one of cricket’s most promising frontiers,” Rahane said about playing the ETPL.

“What impressed me about Amsterdam Flames is the ambition to build something meaningful that creates a lasting impact both on and off the field. I’m excited to work alongside the management to build a successful franchise while helping inspire the next generation and strengthen cricket’s future across Europe,” he added.

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh, who is the co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer of the Flames, welcomed Rahane’s signing.

According to Waugh, "Ajinkya Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer—skill, resilience, humility, and leadership."

“Not only for his performances but also for how he has carried himself both on and off the field throughout his career, he has gained a great deal of respect throughout the cricketing community. I’ve seen first-hand the composure and leadership he brings under pressure, and those qualities help shape winning cultures. As we develop Amsterdam Flames into one of the best cricket clubs in Europe, his experience, leadership skills, and character will be invaluable.

Rahane joins a star-studded Flames outfit that includes Steve Smith, Tim David, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Marsh. The latter will captain the side, with ETPL 2026 set to get underway on August 26.