Amsterdam flames

European T20 Premier League: Australian great Steve Waugh said versatility was the defining factor behind Amsterdam Flames' selections in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 Player Draft, explaining that the franchise deliberately prioritised multi-skilled cricketers over loading up on specialist batters.

Amsterdam Flames entered the draft with an already formidable core featuring Australian T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith and Tim David, alongside Netherlands skipper Scott Edwards. That allowed the franchise to focus on building balance around its established stars.

The Flames used four of their six picks on all-rounders, led by Ireland international Curtis Campher. Speaking on whether adaptability had taken precedence over traditional batting depth, Waugh, who co-owns the franchise, made it clear that the strategy had been planned alongside head coach Ryan Cook.