Bollywood actor John Abraham and cricket legend Jonty Rhodes have officially unveiled the Rotterdam Dockers’ team jersey, marking a significant step towards the inaugural European T20 Premier League later this month.
IMAGE: Bollywood actor John Abraham and cricket legend Jonty Rhodes unveil the Rotterdam Dockers’ team jersey. Photograph: Sahil Salvi
Key Points
Bollywood actor John Abraham and cricket legend Jonty Rhodes unveiled the Rotterdam Dockers’ team jersey in Mumbai.
The Rotterdam Dockers are one of six franchises participating in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) from August 26 to September 20.
The ETPL will feature city-based teams from Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam.
Rotterdam Dockers’ co-owners Bollywood actor John Abraham and cricket legend Jonty Rhodes unveiled the team jersey for the upcoming inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Rotterdam Dockers is one of the six franchise teams that will compete in the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League from August 26 to September 20.
Co-owned by Jonty Rhodes, John Abraham and Faf du Plessis, the franchise will be led by former South Africa captain du Plessis and brings together a compelling blend of international experience and Dutch talent.
Rotterdam Dockers will begin their campaign against Amsterdam Flames in the opening fixture of the inaugural ETPL on August 26 in Voorburg.
The squad features some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, including Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, Logan van Beek and Roelof van der Merwe, alongside emerging talent from the Netherlands.
Leadership and Franchise Details
IMAGE: John Abraham and Jonty Rhodes during the jersey unveiling in Mumbai. Photograph: Sahil Salvi
Abraham and Rhodes are part of the Rotterdam Dockers’ leadership group also comprising cricketing greats du Plessis and Klaasen, alongside Managing Partner Madhukar Shree.
Rhodes said the ETPL will help the growth of cricket in football-crazy Europe.
“Rotterdam is the gateway to Europe, and the Rotterdam Dockers have a unique opportunity to become a backbone for cricket in the region, much like the dockers who built the city. Being part of the ETPL is exciting because it gives us a platform to develop the young talent already present in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, while helping take the game forward across the continent. We want to compete for the trophy from day one, but our bigger ambition is to build something that can have a lasting impact on the growth of cricket in Europe,”
“Sport has always been a big part of my life, and being part of the European T20 Premier League gives us an opportunity to contribute to the growth of cricket in Europe, particularly by developing grassroots talent across the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland. With the calibre of players involved and the vision behind the league, I genuinely believe the ETPL can play a role in making cricket a truly global sport, and I’m incredibly excited to be part of this journey with Rotterdam Dockers,” said John Abraham.
The ETPL will bring together six city-based franchises representing Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast and Rotterdam.
Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has joined Amsterdam Flames as a marquee player in the ETPL.
Abhishek Bachchan’s Involvement
Former India cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid has joined as co-owner of the Dublin Guardians franchise, while the likes of Steve Waugh, Jonty Rhodes and Glenn Maxwell are also among franchise owners.
Abhishek Bachchan is one of the co-founders of the ETPL. Bachchan, who has previously invested in teams across the Indian Super League (Chennaiyin FC) and Pro Kabaddi League (Jaipur Panthers), said his love for cricket inspired his involvement in the ETPL.
“I’m a big cricket fan. That was the inspiration and also to get the opportunity to start a T20 league in Europe is a matter of huge pride and honour for me.
“I’m very used to having started leagues of a sport which isn’t the dominant sport in that market. Be it football, kabaddi or street cricket. It excites me. It gives you something to try and achieve,” he said.