Glenn Maxwell makes bold ETPL claim after USA’s India scare: ‘Europe can rise faster than expected’

Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell has thrown his weight behind the newly launched European T20 Premier League (ETPL), calling it a major step towards accelerating the growth of cricket in Europe.

Drawing parallels with the rapid rise of Associate nations like the United States, Maxwell said modern cricket has shown that emerging teams can close the gap much faster than ever before.

His comments come after the USA’s spirited performance against India, a match that highlighted how competitive non-traditional cricketing nations have become on the global stage.

Maxwell points to USA as proof of cricket’s changing landscape

Speaking about the future of European cricket, Maxwell stressed that the game is evolving beyond its traditional powerhouses.

“The USA almost beating India shows how quickly Associate nations can rise,” Maxwell noted, underlining how exposure to quality leagues and stronger competition can dramatically improve standards.

He believes the ETPL could offer a similar platform for nations like Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, giving players a chance to compete at higher levels consistently.

For Maxwell, the league is not just another T20 competition — it could be a game-changer for Europe’s cricketing ecosystem.

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ETPL aims to become Europe’s biggest cricket project

Brian MacNeice, one of the leading voices behind the league, described the ETPL as Europe’s biggest cricket milestone to date.

The tournament is expected to create greater visibility, improve playing standards, and increase grassroots participation across the continent.

With cricket steadily gaining attention in Europe, organisers hope the ETPL will provide the structure and commercial strength needed to build a sustainable cricket culture.

MacNeice believes the league could unlock talent that has often gone unnoticed due to lack of opportunities.

Ashwin backs cricket’s global expansion

Indian spin veteran Ravichandran Ashwin also backed the league’s vision, linking it directly to cricket’s broader Olympic ambitions.

Ashwin pointed out that T20 cricket remains the most effective format for taking the sport to new markets, especially with cricket set to return at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

He also raised questions about the future of ODI cricket, suggesting that the format may struggle to maintain relevance as the sport expands globally.

According to Ashwin, leagues like ETPL are crucial if cricket wants to grow beyond Asia, Australia, and England.

A new chapter for European cricket?

The ETPL is being viewed as a significant opportunity for Europe to build stronger domestic structures and produce world-class talent.

With endorsements from stars like Maxwell and Ashwin, the league is already generating serious buzz.

If successful, it could reshape the cricketing map and give Europe its strongest push yet toward becoming a major force in the global game.