Daijiworld Media Network - Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Aug. 7: Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has signed with Amsterdam Flames as the marquee player for the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which is scheduled to begin on Aug. 26.
Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket in all formats on July 30, bringing the curtain down on a career in which he represented India in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is. His final international appearance came during the two-match Test series against the West Indies in July 2023.
Speaking after the signing, Rahane said Europe has the potential to emerge as one of cricket's most promising frontiers and expressed his desire to contribute to the game's growth in the region.
"Cricket has given me so much, and I've always believed that players have a responsibility to leave the game stronger than they found it. Europe is entering an exciting phase and has the potential to become one of cricket's most promising frontiers," he said.
"What impressed me about Amsterdam Flames is the ambition to build something meaningful that creates a lasting impact both on and off the field. I'm excited to work alongside the management to build a successful franchise while helping inspire the next generation and strengthen cricket's future across Europe."
Rahane is currently in England as a commentator for The Hundred.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh, co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer of Amsterdam Flames, welcomed Rahane to the franchise, describing him as a player who embodies skill, resilience, humility and leadership.
"Ajinkya Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer — skill, resilience, humility and leadership. Throughout his career he has earned enormous respect across the cricket world, not only for his performances but for the way he has conducted himself on and off the field," Waugh said.
In the Indian Premier League, Rahane has played 212 matches for six franchises, scoring 5,367 runs. He captained Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 and 2026 seasons and was part of Chennai Super Kings' title-winning campaign in 2023.
ETPL co-owner Abhishek Bachchan said Rahane's signing marked an important milestone for the league and would help inspire the next generation of cricketers in Europe.
Amsterdam Flames Chief Executive Officer Tim Thomas described the signing as a defining moment for the franchise, saying Rahane's professionalism, experience and leadership would help establish the club's culture and long-term ambitions.