A new European franchise cricket league, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), is scheduled to launch this week. The league will operate in collaboration with the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
The opening fixture will see the Belfast Wolves face the Dublin Guardians in Voorburg on Thursday. The Wolves will be captained by Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, with David Miller and Devon Conway also featuring. Their bowling attack includes World Cup winner Chris Jordan.
The Dublin Guardians will be led by former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was announced as captain and mentor in July. New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell is also set to be a key player for the Guardians.
The competition will run from August 26 to September 20, utilising a double-round robin format. The initial pool stage matches will be held in the Netherlands, with the second round of games taking place in Dublin. The "reverse" fixture between Belfast and Dublin is scheduled for September 9 in Malahide.