The EUT20 League is set to usher in a new chapter as it prepares to take centre stage in Belgium from the first week of June, positioning itself as a bold step in cricket’s global expansion.

In a formal launch held in Mumbai, organisers Destino Legends Sports LLC, in partnership with the Belgian Cricket Federation, unveiled the league’s five franchises, their ownership groups and official jerseys. The event underlined a larger ambition of taking cricket beyond its traditional strongholds and into emerging European markets.

Scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Brussels, the tournament will be broadcast in India on the Sony Sports Network. Backed by the International Cricket Council through Belgium’s associate status, the league aims to deliver both credibility and competitive depth.

At the heart of the EUT20 model lies its unique 2-4-4-6 structure, ensuring a blend of local Belgian talent, international stars and emerging associate players. Franchise ownership spans a ten-year cycle, with teams retaining revenue from kit sponsorships, a model designed to promote sustainability while strengthening grassroots cricket in Europe.

League Chairman Robin Chaudhary emphasised India’s importance in the league’s vision. “India is not just a market for EUT20 Belgium. India is cricket. When the world’s most passionate cricket audience believes in something, that belief travels. We are here in Mumbai because we want Indian fans and the cricket ecosystem to see this league as their own,” he said. “We intend to earn our place in Indian living rooms every single match.”

Former England captain Eoin Morgan, the league’s ambassador, echoed the sentiment. “EUT20 Belgium is not just a cricket league. It is a statement about where this sport is going. Europe has long been an untapped frontier for franchise cricket, and Belgium is the right place to plant that flag,” Morgan said. “With the calibre of players, strong broadcast backing and ICC support, this is a serious and credible competition.”

The inaugural edition will feature five franchises: Akcel United Brussels, Antwerp Anchors, Ghent Gladiators, Liège Red Lions and JB Bruges. Each side boasts global icons, including Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen.

Former players involved with the league believe its structure could be transformative. Morgan added, “This is about giving new audiences a league they can truly call their own, while maintaining high standards of competition.”

With a mix of emerging talent and established stars, the league is expected to offer a compelling spectacle. Organisers have also prioritised fan engagement, improved facilities and a tighter schedule to enhance the viewing experience.

As the countdown begins, EUT20 Belgium carries more than just the promise of cricket. It represents a shift in the sport’s geography. If successful, it could well redefine how and where the game grows in the coming decade.

BY JOE WILLIAMS

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