The European T20 Premier League 2026 Player Draft marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for cricket in Europe, bringing together established international stars as they vied for some of the Europe’s best local talent.
The Belfast Wolves were represented by Australian superstar, the team’s captain and mentor, Glenn Maxwell, as they picked up three Irish, two Dutch and one Scottish player in the draft.
Speaking after the ETPL Player Draft, Maxwell highlighted the importance of building a squad around experienced local cricketers who understand the unique conditions in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. He pointed to Ireland international Paul Stirling as one of the franchise's most valuable acquisitions, not only for his performances on the field but also for the leadership and knowledge he brings to the dressing room.
"The experience of the local players really comes to the fore. Guys like Paul Stirling, who have played a lot of international cricket, were such key picks for us. Not only for what they do on the field, but for their leadership and their knowledge of playing in these parts of the world," Maxwell said.
Now, as preparations begin for the inaugural season, Maxwell, who has played 7 Tests, 149 ODIs and 130 T20is, believes the league represents far more than another franchise competition—it is an opportunity to accelerate the development of cricket across Europe by investing in the players who will shape its future. He believes experienced local cricketers will play a crucial role in helping the team prepare, while also creating an environment where younger players can continue to learn and develop throughout the competition, with guidance from seasoned international stars.
"That's where the power of the overseas players comes in—to help grow and upskill the local talent, bring them forward and continue the game in these parts of the world," he explained.
For Maxwell, that commitment reflects the wider purpose of the European T20 Premier League. Beyond providing world-class entertainment, the competition aims to accelerate cricket's growth across Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands by creating meaningful opportunities for local players to train, compete and learn alongside some of the game's biggest names.
"We've got a huge role to play in the development of these three nations and making sure we can give back in any way possible to help grow the beautiful game of cricket in these parts of the world and hopefully take it to places it's never been before," Maxwell said.
As the inaugural ETPL season approaches, Maxwell, like everyone else involved in the league, believes that by combining international experience with homegrown talent, the league will serve as a platform to inspire the next generation of European cricketers, while helping build a stronger future for the game across the continent.
