ETPL welcomes Matthew Hayden as Glasgow Cosmic's Co-Owner and Head Coach

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) continues to grow in stature. The Glasgow Cosmic franchise have announced the appointment of Australian legend Matthew Hayden as Co-Owner and Head Coach. This announcement, coming ahead of the inaugural ETPL season, brings one of cricket's most decorated names to the heart of Scotland's franchise.

Hayden needs little introduction. The former Australian opener accumulated 8,625 Test runs to go with his 6133 runs in ODIs in a stellar cricketing career defined by power, discipline and an unrelenting competitive instinct. Hayden is a two-time World Cup winner and was one of the pillars of the dominant Australian sides of the late 1990s and 2000s. He now takes his wealth of experience into the coaching arena at the highest level of European franchise cricket.

Hayden is no stranger to cricket coaching and mentorship. He is the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League, and previously held the role of batting coach and mentor of the Pakistan national side between 2021 and 2022.

Speaking about his appointment, the Australian legend said it was the long-term ambition behind the project that drew him to Glasgow. "What attracted me most to the Glasgow Cosmics project was not simply the cricket opportunity, but the vision behind it. Great teams are built on strong values, clear purpose and people who are prepared to think boldly."

He acknowledged the roles of Mugafi Group CEO Dr. Rashid Khan, Chairman Vipul Agrawal, and Co-Owner Tansha Batra in building the foundations of the franchise, and outlined a clear philosophy for the season ahead. "Create an environment where players can grow, perform under pressure, and enjoy the privilege of representing something bigger than themselves. Talent may win moments, but culture wins seasons."

Hayden joins a growing list of cricketing giants already part of the ETPL through franchise ownerships. Rahul Dravid is Owner of Dublin Guardians, Steve Waugh heads Amsterdam Flames, Glenn Maxwell doubles up as the co-owner and player at the Belfast franchise, Kiwi duo Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills have taken charge of Edinburgh Castlerockers, while a trio from South Africa, Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen and Jonty Rhodes, co-own the Rotterdam franchise, with Du Plessis and Klaasen set to feature as players too.

With Hayden now at the helm, the Cosmics arrive at their inaugural campaign with a clear identity, credible leadership and the ambition to match.