Ajinkya Rahane says ETPL move followed India retirement the same day

Ajinkya Rahane said he decided to join the inaugural European T20 Premier League the same day he announced his retirement from international cricket, and will play for Amsterdam Flames in the tournament scheduled across Ireland and the Netherlands from August 26 to September 20, he told PTI in an interview facilitated by the ETPL.

Rahane, a 38-year-old and former India Test vice-captain, confirmed the opportunity emerged almost immediately after he ended his India career and that he took a day to consider the offer. He will represent the Amsterdam-based franchise in the inaugural edition of the ETPL, which the organisers plan to stage between August 26 and September 20 across Ireland and the Netherlands.

"When I announced my retirement, I think the same day this opportunity came up. I took a day to probably think through it. Steve (Waugh), personally, called me and asked me if I'm interested to play for his team," Rahane said, describing a direct call from the former Australia captain as part of the recruitment process.

Explaining his motivation, Rahane said his long career has given him experience and a particular mindset that he wants to bring to the competition. "I've got a lot of experience after playing cricket for so many years with a certain attitude and mindset. I thought it's a great opportunity for me to go out there, probably create an impact globally and share my experience with other players. So I'm really looking forward to this stint with the ETPL," he said.

Rahane also pointed to the improving standards of European teams when outlining the league's appeal, citing recent results and his own encounters. "Ireland recently won the series against India. Netherlands, again, on and off, they've been doing really well. I've played many matches against them, especially in World Cups. The passion they have for cricket and their hunger to learn and improve is amazing," he said.

On the benefits for local players, Rahane stressed the value of playing alongside established internationals and named several high-profile participants and mentors associated with the ETPL. With international players such as Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh expected to feature and coaching figures Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh and Matthew Hayden also involved with the competition, Rahane said: "This gives them exposure to play with international players. When you play with international players, individually you learn a lot. That's why I said this is a great platform for them." He added, "You never know which door will open for the players. It is a great start."

Amsterdam Flames co-founder and Chief Cricket Officer Steve Waugh welcomed Rahane's signing and praised his attributes. "Rahane represents everything you want in a professional cricketer - skill, resilience, humility and leadership," Waugh said. "I've seen first-hand the composure and leadership he brings under pressure, and those qualities help shape winning cultures. His experience, leadership and character will be invaluable as we build Amsterdam Flames into one of Europe's premier cricket clubs." Amsterdam Flames CEO Tim Thomas described the acquisition in terms of setting standards for the franchise: "This is about much more than adding an outstanding cricketer. It is about establishing the standards, culture and ambition that will define our club for years to come."

With his international career concluded, the article notes Rahane is intent on applying his experience to the new competition; the former India captain said he wants to leave a lasting impact on a tournament that is hoping to establish itself as Europe's premier T20 league, beginning with his stint for Amsterdam Flames in the ETPL from August 26 to September 20.