European cricket takes shape with EUT20 Player Draft in Belgium

Held at Château Bayard in Éghezée, the event marks the official beginning of the EUT20 League, a competition that aims to expand the presence of professional cricket across Europe and create new opportunities for players, franchises, and investors in the sport. Among the key figures attending is former England World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, who also serves as the league’s brand ambassador. He is joined by internationally renowned cricket personalities and coaches, including Jonathan Trott, coach of the Ghent Gladiators; Amit Kaushal, coach of Akcel United; Herschelle Gibbs, head coach of Liège Red Lions; Shivnarine Chanderpaul, coach of JB Bruges; and Donovan Miller, head coach of Antwerp Anchors.

The player draft will determine the squads for the league’s upcoming season, bringing together franchise owners, players, and key stakeholders in what organizers describe as a pivotal step toward building a sustainable cricket ecosystem in Europe. The league aims to combine international experience with emerging talent while contributing to the development of cricket in non-traditional European markets. Coaches focus on team balance and mental strength Jonathan Trott, coach of the Ghent Gladiators, emphasized the importance of mentality and team culture when selecting players during the draft.

According to Trott, performance under pressure and strong team values are among the most important qualities when building a squad. While analytics and data can support decision-making, he stressed that instinct and understanding the game remain essential in player selection, noting that many important aspects of sport cannot be measured purely by statistics.

Similarly, Amit Kaushal, head coach of Akcel United, explained that his team is looking to play an attacking style of cricket and is focusing on building a balanced squad. He highlighted that the league represents an important platform for developing cricket in Europe and inspiring young players across the continent.

The EUT20 League is intended to be more than a new competition, it as a long-term project. If successful, the league could help position Europe as a growing center for the global game.
Credits: Manoj Nag