Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has secured his first overseas T20 contract, joining the Amsterdam Flames as a marquee player for the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The announcement arrived on Friday, just over a week after the veteran batter officially concluded his international and Indian Premier League (IPL) career.
Although widely celebrated for his contributions in Test cricket, Rahane brings extensive T20 experience to the European circuit. Over the course of 308 T20 appearances, he has accumulated 7,968 runs at an average of 30.29 and a strike rate of 126.77. His record includes two centuries and 56 half-centuries, providing a wealth of tactical knowledge to his new side.
Reflecting on his move, Rahane expressed optimism about the sport’s growth in the region, stating, “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 further noted his enthusiasm for the Flames’ ambition to create a lasting impact, adding that he looks forward to helping inspire the next generation of players while contributing to the franchise’s success.
Steve Waugh, the former Australian captain who serves as the Flames’ co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer, lauded the signing. “Ajinkya Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer—skill, resilience, humility and leadership,” Waugh remarked. He highlighted Rahane’s composure under pressure and his ability to foster winning cultures, noting that these attributes will be essential as the team establishes itself as one of Europe’s premier cricket clubs.
Rahane joins a high-profile roster at Amsterdam, which features stars such as Steve Smith, Tim David, Michael Bracewell, and Mitchell Marsh. Marsh is set to lead the team as captain when the inaugural ETPL season commences on August 26, 2026.
While largely renowned for his exploits in whites, Rahane boasts of a rich experience of 308 T20s to his credit.
He has scored 7968 runs in the format at an average of 30.29 and a strike-rate of 126.77, with 56 half-centuries and two hundreds to go with it.
