Welcome Aboard, Haydos! Why Aussie legend Matthew Hayden chose to join the ETPL

Former Australian opener and World Cup winner Matthew Hayden’s decision to join the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) bandwagon as co-owner and Head coach of the Glasgow Cosmic franchise is another indication of just how robust a proposition the league is for the biggest names in global cricket. The announcement of Haydos coming on board, made on June 9, adds one of cricket's most decorated names to a competition that is rapidly building its global appeal before its first ball is bowled.

Hayden is no stranger to the franchise cricket revolution. In 2009 he was the top scorer of the Indian T20 League scoring 572 runs in 12 matches. The Aussie legend had an average of 51.33 in T20Is in the nine shortest format matches he played for Australia. Had he been a player of the current era, he would have hands down been one of the most explosive T20i batters of all-time. His new role gives him the chance to do something he loves – coaching, along with being part of the management group.

"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. From my very first conversations, I could see that ambition in Mugafi Group CEO Dr. Rashid Khan and the leadership team at Mugafi Sports," Hayden said.

He was particularly vocal in acknowledging the individuals who helped bring the project to life, including Mugafi Group Chairman Vipul Agrawal and Co-Owner Tansha Batra, whose groundwork he said had already laid a strong foundation for the franchise.

On the ETPL itself, Hayden was clear about what the league offers. "The European T20 Premier League represents an exciting new chapter for global cricket. It provides opportunities for emerging players, creates new pathways for talent, and showcases the game's ability to unite people across cultures and borders," 

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh holds ownership in the Amsterdam Flames, while former India captain and T20 World Cup winning coach Rahul Dravid owns the Dublin Guardians. South African trio Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen meanwhile co-own the Rotterdam franchise.  Hayden’s inclusion further underlines the calibre of cricketing figures the ETPL is attracting. 

Beyond the ETPL's structural promise, Hayden connected his decision to be a part of the league that is poised to revolutionise cricket in Europe to a deeply personal philosophy, that is fuelled by the excitement of a new challenge.

"It is with great honour and genuine humility that I accept the role of Head Coach of the Glasgow Cosmics for the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League. Cricket has given me a lifetime of opportunities, as a player, teammate, mentor, broadcaster and coach, and the chance to help build a new franchise from the ground up is a challenge that excites me enormously," he said.

That Haydos loves coaching is no secret. He immediately decided to swap his broadcaster’s hat with that of a coach’s when he got the chance to become the batting coach of the Gujarat Franchise in the established Indian T20 League, working with the likes of Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Sai Sudarsan, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan and others. He also served as batting coach and mentor for Pakistan's senior men’s side between 2021 and 2022.

"As a coach, my philosophy has always been simple: 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," the 54-year-old who played 103 Tests, 161 ODIs and 9 T20is for Australia further said.

The upcoming inaugural season of the ETPL gives all the six teams a golden opportunity to build from the ground up – an unending blank canvas that is ready for them to paint their vision on.

"Our objective will be to build a team that plays courageous cricket, embraces innovation, respects the traditions of the game, and develops a strong connection with the people of Glasgow and cricket fans around the world," Hayden, the ICC ODI Player of the Year of 2007 said.

The first season of the ETPL is now almost around the corner. Needless to say, all six teams have their tasks cut out. And Hayden, who had a 15 year plus international career will know exactly how much there is to do.

"This is a new club, a new competition and a new opportunity. Now the real work begins. See you in Glasgow."