New Delhi, May 11: Former New Zealand opener Martin Guptill is eagerly anticipating his reunion with former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan as he prepares to return to the cricket field. Khan is a co-owner of the Antwerp Anchors team in Belgium’s inaugural EUT20 League, which will take place from June 6 to June 14.
Guptill, one of New Zealand’s leading white-ball batsmen, was among the key players signed for the tournament. He will be joined by Andre Russell and David Willey on the team, with former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Kiran More serving as a mentor.
In an exclusive interview, Guptill expressed, “We have some big-name players in our team, and their impact on the game will be beneficial for us. We have players with experience not only in the IPL but also in being part of teams, whether as mentors or coaches. Their experience will help us and also aid in advancing the league as friends. I am looking forward to meeting Zaheer Khan again; we had some fantastic encounters on the field during our careers. I can’t wait to reconnect and have a great time in Belgium.”
Since retiring from international cricket, Guptill has played limited competitive cricket through various T20 leagues. The EUT20 League presents a great opportunity for him to make a serious return to the field.
He stated, “For players like us, who don’t get many chances to play anymore, the opportunity to return to the field, wear pads and a helmet, and then put on batting gloves is very special. I am very excited to get back on the field. I have played with some players from the Antwerp team before, so I look forward to reuniting with them. Hopefully, we will perform excellently together, play great cricket, and ultimately win the trophy.”
Joining Guptill in Belgium will be his fellow countrymen Colin Munro and Max Chu. Guptill believes his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever. He remarked, “I believe that as a cricketer, your competitive spirit never fades. You always want to go out there and perform at your best from the start.”
Guptill views this league as a rare and valuable platform for young players and those from associate cricket nations to gain invaluable experience. He specifically mentioned Lokesh Bam from Nepal as one of the players who would benefit greatly from the experience of playing in Belgium, as they were teammates in the Nepal Premier League.
He believes the EUT20 League can bridge the gap between club cricket and international cricket for Belgian players. “I think it creates a pathway for players to lessen the difference between club cricket and playing for Belgium,” he said.
This will be Guptill’s first trip to Belgium, and he is excited about the prospect of being part of the league. He added, “I have never been there before. This is my first chance to go. I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully, we will have a great time there. One of my teammates (Max Chu) is going; Colin Munro is also going. Colin is a good friend of mine, and we will have a lot of fun off the field as well.”
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