Rahane Signs With Amsterdam Flames For ETPL Debut

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement from the game has proven short-lived, with the veteran batter confirming his next move barely a week after hanging up his boots. Rahane has signed on as a marquee player for the Amsterdam Flames franchise in the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), joining fellow Indian great Ravichandran Ashwin in making the switch to overseas franchise cricket.

A Quick Turnaround

Rahane announced his retirement from all international and domestic cricket on July 30, a move that made him eligible to feature in ICC-sanctioned overseas leagues under BCCI regulations. According to reports, the ETPL opportunity arrived almost immediately, with Amsterdam Flames co-owner and former Australia captain Steve Waugh personally calling Rahane to invite him to the side. Rahane has revealed he asked for a day to think it over before accepting the offer.

The Amsterdam Flames squad is a star-studded one, featuring Steve Smith, Tim David, Scott Edwards and Mitchell Marsh, who will captain the side. Ashwin, meanwhile, has signed up as captain of the Rahul Dravid-owned Dublin Guardians, making him and Rahane the first two Indian players confirmed for the tournament.

About The ETPL

The European T20 Premier League is Europe’s first ICC-sanctioned T20 competition, jointly organised by the cricket boards of Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands. The inaugural season will run from August 26 to September 20, 2026, featuring six city-based franchises — Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast and Rotterdam — across 33 matches.

For Rahane, the move marks the start of a new chapter after a 14-year international career, and he has spoken of his eagerness to share his experience with players across the continent, while also hinting at future coaching and mentorship ambitions.