ETPL 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The European T20 Premier League is ready to open a new chapter for European cricket, with six city-based franchises from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands coming together for the inaugural season. From world-class international stars and legendary owners to emerging European talent, the ETPL 2026 will run from 26 August to 20 September, with matches in Voorburg and Malahide. Here is everything you need to know before the first ball.
When does ETPL 2026 begin and end?
The inaugural ETPL season begins on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 and concludes with the Final on Sunday, 20 September. The competition features 30 league-stage matches, followed by a Qualifier and Final, making 32 matches in total.
Which teams are playing?
Six franchises will compete for the inaugural ETPL title: Amsterdam Flames, Rotterdam Dockers, Dublin Guardians, Belfast Wolves, Glasgow Cosmic and Edinburgh Castle Rockers. The teams represent six cities across the three founding cricket nations — Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
Where will the matches be played?
The tournament begins at Voorburg Cricket Club in the Netherlands, before moving to Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin, Ireland for the latter part of the league stage and the playoffs. Voorburg hosts the opening 17 matches, while Malahide stages the final stretch of the league, the Qualifier on 19 September and the Final on 20 September.
What is the match schedule?
The tournament opens on 26 August with Rotterdam Dockers vs Amsterdam Flames in Voorburg. The opening fixtures continue with Belfast Wolves vs Dublin Guardians and Edinburgh Castle Rockers vs Glasgow Cosmic on 27 August, followed by matches through 6 September in Voorburg. The competition then moves to Malahide on 9 September, with the final league matches taking place on 17 September, followed by the Qualifier on 19 September and Final on 20 September.
What time do matches start?
ETPL matches generally have two start windows. Day matches begin at 11:30 AM local time in the Netherlands/Ireland or 10:30 AM in Malahide, while evening matches begin at 3:15 PM in Voorburg or 2:15 PM in Malahide. Fans should check the individual fixture before travelling.
What is the ETPL format?
Each of the six franchises plays every other team twice, producing 30 league matches. At the end of the league stage, the team finishing first goes directly into the Final. The teams finishing second and third meet in the Qualifier on 19 September, with the winner advancing to face the table-topper in the Final the following day.
Who all are playing in ETPL 2026?
The league has attracted a remarkable collection of international names. Amsterdam Flames feature Steve Smith, Tim David, Scott Edwards and newly signed former India captain Ajinkya Rahane. Rotterdam Dockers have Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje and Jai Moondra, while Dublin Guardians are led by Ravichandran Ashwin. Belfast Wolves feature Glenn Maxwell and Paul Stirling, Edinburgh have Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult and Glasgow Cosmic are led by George Munsey, with Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj among their major names.
Who are the star co-owners?
The ETPL's ownership groups are almost as star-studded as its playing squads. Steve Waugh leads Amsterdam alongside Jamie Dwyer and Tim Thomas; Rahul Dravid owns Dublin; Glenn Maxwell is a co-owner and player for Belfast; Matthew Hayden is co-owner and Head Coach of Glasgow; and Rotterdam's ownership group includes Faf du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes, Heinrich Klaasen and John Abraham. Edinburgh is backed by a New Zealand-based consortium led by former internationals Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum.
How are the ETPL squads composed?
Each ETPL squad features players across five categories: pre-signed overseas players, affiliated local players, European Associate players, Global Associate players, and local players selected through the ETPL Draft.
Where can I buy ETPL tickets?
Tickets are being sold through Tixr, the ETPL's official ticketing partner, with individual match tickets and multi-match options available depending on the fixture. Fans can access the official ticketing pages through the ETPL Matches listings.
Terms & Conditions: https://www.etplofficial.com/ticketingtnc
What types of tickets are available?
Ticket options include single-match tickets, double-header tickets, and broader venue/weekend passes for fans looking to attend multiple games. Age-based categories include Adult, Child and Infant tickets, while accessible tickets are also available separately. Exact prices vary by match, so fans should check the individual Tixr event page before purchasing.
Where can I watch ETPL 2026?
For fans unable to attend in person, ETPL matches will be available through the league's international broadcast and streaming partners. The official ETPL platform is also the best place to follow fixtures, news and tournament updates.
What should fans expect from ETPL 2026?
The inaugural season brings together something European cricket has rarely had at this scale: six franchises, international superstars, legendary cricketing figures in ownership and coaching roles, and a dedicated platform for Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands-based talent. From the opening clash between Rotterdam and Amsterdam on 26 August to the Final at Malahide on 20 September, ETPL 2026 is designed to be more than a new T20 competition — it is an attempt to build a new ecosystem for cricket in Europe.