New Delhi, July 2: Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, believes that the European T20 Premier League (ETP League) can play a significant role in advancing cricket across the continent. He stated that the experiences from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and SA20 will be instrumental in the league’s development.
Rhodes emphasized that the long-term goal of the league should be to enhance the talent pool in Europe and strengthen grassroots cricket, rather than merely focusing on creating a champion team. He made these remarks after selecting emerging Irish international player Jay Moondah during the opening pick in Rotterdam.
In a media interaction, Rhodes responded to a question about the league’s objectives, stating that the aim is not only to win trophies but also to expand the talent pool. “Having worked in the IPL since 2009 and witnessing the rapid growth of SA20, I believe franchise leagues have demonstrated how they can transform the cricketing environment at a professional level,” he noted.
He added, “We are looking at not just the available international players but also from a grassroots perspective. This is what I have observed since my involvement with the IPL in 2009. I have closely witnessed the success of the SA20 in South Africa.”
Rhodes pointed out that South Africa’s rugby team has won two consecutive World Cups, which has overshadowed cricket’s popularity in the country. However, he believes that SA20 has reignited interest in cricket among the youth, similar to how the FIFA World Cup has boosted football’s popularity.
“The ETP League presents a similar opportunity as it seeks to establish itself within Europe’s cricketing landscape. It is not just for young or international players; it is about developing and enhancing the grassroots pool. I believe this will be a crucial factor for us. We want to leave the sport in a better place than we found it,” he stated.
At 55 years old, Rhodes emphasized that the league’s vision should extend beyond existing European cricket nations. After coaching Sweden for two and a half years, he noted the passion for cricket across the continent, which he considers vital for the sport’s growth.
Rhodes believes that promoting this larger ecosystem will be essential for the league’s success. “I think around 30 countries are ICC members. After coaching the Swedish team for two seasons, it was fascinating to see how passionate people across Europe are about cricket. A significant part of what we are trying to achieve will involve ensuring that grassroots development occurs alongside the growth of top players,” he concluded.
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