The ‘Wolf Pack’ Takes Shape: Meet Belfast Wolves' ETPL Draft Picks

Building a successful T20 franchise is about so much more than signing star players. It is about creating the right balance—experience alongside youth, proven performers alongside rising stars, and players who can thrive under pressure. That was the challenge facing Belfast Wolves and Co-Owner and captain Glenn Maxwell heading into the inaugural ETPL Player Draft, and by the end of six rounds, they had assembled a squad that ticks every box.

With Maxwell already bringing his trademark aggression and leadership, the Wolves used the draft to strengthen every department of the side. Their six selections feature established international names, exciting young prospects and players who have consistently impressed across Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, giving Belfast a well-rounded squad ahead of ETPL Season One.

 

Meet the Belfast Wolves’ six ETPL Player Draft Picks.

 

Matthew Humphreys (Ireland)

The Wolves made their opening selection by drafting Matthew Humphreys, one of Ireland's brightest young spin bowlers. The left-arm spinner announced himself on the international stage during the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, before producing historic figures of 6/57 against Zimbabwe in 2025 - the best bowling figures by an Irish bowler in Test cricket. Blessed with excellent control and subtle variations, the 23-year-old Humphreys has quickly become one of Ireland's most exciting young spin prospects. Still only at the beginning phase of his international career, he arrives in Belfast as one of the most exciting young spinners in European cricket.

 

Fred Klaassen (The Netherlands)

Belfast strengthened their pace attack in Round Two by selecting Dutch left-arm seamer Fred Klaassen, one of the most experienced fast bowlers available in the draft. A Vitality Blast winner with Kent and a former Manchester Originals player in The Hundred, Klaassen has enjoyed success wherever he has played. The left-armer has claimed 32 ODI wickets and 45 T20I wickets for the Netherlands, with career-best figures of 3/23 in ODIs and 5/19 in T20Is. Standing over six feet tall, his ability to swing the new ball and deliver under pressure has made him one of Associate cricket's premier fast bowlers. Whether wearing Dutch colours or competing in county cricket, Klaassen has consistently shown why he is regarded as one of Associate cricket's premier fast bowlers, and his experience will be invaluable for the Wolves.

 

Tim Tector (Ireland)

The Wolves then turned to one of Ireland's most promising young batters in Tim Tector. Cricket runs deep in the Tector family, with older brother Harry already firmly established on the international stage, and Tim is steadily carving out a reputation of his own. Having progressed through Ireland's age-group system, the 23-year-old has impressed coaches with his temperament, solid technique and willingness to adapt to different match situations. The opportunity to share a dressing room with experienced internationals like Glenn Maxwell and Paul Stirling could prove invaluable as he continues his development, while Belfast will hope his potential translates into big performances during the inaugural ETPL season. With a strike rate of 142 in T20is and only a handful of international appearances so far under his belt, Tector will be itching to make the most of the ETPL opportunity.

 

Paul Stirling (Ireland)

One of the biggest moments of Belfast's draft came in Round Four with the arrival of Paul Stirling, a player whose achievements have helped shape Irish cricket over the past decade and a half. Ireland's all-time leading run-scorer across international cricket, Stirling has amassed more than 10,000 international runs and became a part of only a few players to score centuries in all three international formats. His career-best T20I score of 115 against Zimbabwe reflects the consistency that has made him one of Europe's finest white-ball batters. Alongside Glenn Maxwell, the 35-year-old Belfast native forms one of the tournament's most exciting batting partnerships.

 

Zainullah Ihsan (Scotland)

Belfast continued to invest in fast bowling with the selection of Scotland's Zainullah Ihsan. One of the country's most promising emerging pace prospects, the 20-year-old right arm fast medium bowler has steadily earned recognition through consistent performances in Scotland's domestic circuit. Known for his discipline, attacking mindset and ability to hit challenging lengths, he brings youthful energy to the Wolves' bowling attack. The chance to work alongside experienced campaigners such as Klaassen and Maxwell promises to write another exciting chapter in what continues to be a promising career.

 

Alexander Roy (The Netherlands)

The Wolves rounded-off t heir draft picks with Dutch all-rounder Alexander Roy, whose versatility rounds off Belfast's squad perfectly. An adaptable cricketer capable of contributing with both bat and ball, the 26-year-old has continued to rise up the ranks of the Netherlands' cricketing structure, while establishing himself as a dependable all-round option. In the T20 format, players capable of filling multiple roles are invaluable across a long tournament, and Roy gives captain Glenn Maxwell another flexible option when conditions or match situations demand a change in approach.

 

Taken individually, each of Belfast's six draft picks strengthen a different area of the squad. Together, they reveal a clear vision. The Wolves have combined one of Ireland's greatest-ever batters, one of the Netherlands' finest fast bowlers, two exciting young Irish talents, an emerging Scottish quick and a versatile Dutch all-rounder to complement their pre-signed players’ roster and build a squad that perfectly reflects the European spirit of the ETPL.

With Glenn Maxwell leading from the front, Paul Stirling bringing world-class experience, Fred Klaassen spearheading the pace attack and a talented supporting cast featuring Matthew Humphreys, Tim Tector, Zainullah Ihsan and Alexander Roy, Belfast Wolves have assembled a squad capable of making an immediate statement when the inaugural European T20 Premier League gets underway.

The Wolf Pack is complete. Now, the hunt begins.