Mumbai, Sept 8:
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes Europe remains one of cricket’s biggest untapped markets and says the growth of franchise tournaments such as the European T20 Premier League could play an important role in taking the sport to new audiences.
Santner, who is leading the Edinburgh Castle Rockers in the inaugural ETPL, said expanding cricket beyond its traditional strongholds should be the priority. His team has made an impressive start to the tournament, sitting at the top of the points table with five wins and a no-result from six matches.
“Growing the game is the most important part,” Santner said, pointing out that Europe has considerable potential for cricket. He said participating in leagues outside the established cricketing nations was a way for international players to contribute to that expansion while also helping local players gain exposure to the highest standards of the sport.
The New Zealand all-rounder said he was happy to play in different parts of Europe and help create an engaging experience for local supporters. He believes franchise competitions can provide a platform for players from countries such as Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands to share dressing rooms with established international cricketers.
Santner said the Edinburgh side had benefited from a combination of international experience and local knowledge. The players had come together only three days before the tournament began, but had quickly developed an understanding both on and off the field.
He particularly highlighted the contribution of local players, who understand the conditions better and can help overseas cricketers adapt. The ETPL has also exposed players to hybrid pitches, which offer different characteristics from those encountered in New Zealand.
The response from spectators has also encouraged Santner. He said crowds had been improving as the tournament progressed and expected interest to rise further when the competition moved to Ireland.
For Santner, the significance of the ETPL therefore goes beyond winning the inaugural title. A successful European tournament, he believes, could help establish a stronger cricket culture in a region where the sport has traditionally remained outside the mainstream.
With cricket seeking to become a genuinely global sport, Europe could provide one of its biggest opportunities for expansion — and Santner believes competitions such as the ETPL can help turn that potential into reality.