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More than two decades after stepping away from international cricket, former Australia captain Steve Waugh has returned to the game in a new avatar — as a franchise owner in the European T20 Premier League — driven by what he sees as an untapped opportunity to take cricket deeper into Europe.

Waugh, who owns the Amsterdam Flames franchise, believes the newly launched league represents a defining moment for cricket in a region that has traditionally existed on the sport’s fringes.

The European T20 Premier League, set to be staged with the support of the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, aims to create a structured, high-quality platform for the game in Europe. The ownership group also includes well-known figures from world sport such as Australian hockey legend Jamie Dwyer, former New Zealand pacer Kyle Mills and Australian T20 star Glenn Maxwell.

Speaking to PTI, Waugh said his involvement was rooted in both long-term vision and personal motivation.

“Europe is probably the final unexplored market for cricket,” Waugh said. “That’s what attracted me to this project. It felt like the right time and the right opportunity to be involved.”

While many former players gravitate toward coaching or administrative roles after retirement, Waugh explained that his post-playing career has largely followed a different route.

“I’ve been involved in business for close to 25 years now. I didn’t really go down the conventional cricket path after retirement,” he said.

Instead, Waugh has focused on independent ventures, including writing and publishing, before the ETPL gave him a compelling reason to reconnect with the sport.

“This is a new challenge for me. It’s different from what I’ve been doing, but I was looking for a meaningful way to come back into cricket,” he added.

Although Waugh has previously taken on mentoring responsibilities, he believes the European league presents a unique chance to help build the game from the ground up.

“I’ve done mentoring roles before, but this excites me in a different way. This is about expanding the global game, creating opportunities in a new region and discovering new talent,” he said.

For Waugh, the appeal lies not only in ownership but also in shaping structures that can support long-term development.

“I’m still very passionate about building strong cultures, helping players improve and identifying talent. That part of cricket will always motivate me,” he said.

The rapid expansion of franchise-based T20 leagues around the world has raised concerns about players prioritising club commitments over national duties, drawing comparisons with football’s club-centric model.

When asked whether cricket could follow a similar trajectory, Waugh was cautious in his response.

“I don’t have a definitive answer to that,” he said. “But what I do know is that Test cricket remains incredibly important to me. It’s still the pinnacle of the sport, and we must ensure it continues to thrive.”

Waugh feels the ETPL stands apart from the crowded T20 landscape due to its location and purpose.

“This league is different because of where it’s happening,” he said. “It’s the first of its kind in Europe, and that makes it significant.”

He pointed out that cricket already exists across the continent, even if it remains under the radar in many countries.

“There are over 30 European nations playing cricket, and several of them are already competing at global events like the T20 World Cup,” Waugh noted.

According to him, institutional backing has been crucial in turning the concept into reality.

“The support from the boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, along with the ICC, gives the league credibility,” he said.

“Cricket in Europe hasn’t always received the attention it deserves. That’s why this is such a big opportunity. It’s new, it’s ambitious and it has the right people involved.”

Waugh emphasised that the league has been formally sanctioned and is being guided by individuals who share a strong commitment to the game.

“There are influential people here who care about doing things the right way. The goal is to build something meaningful, not just another short-term tournament,” he said.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Mills, who is also part of the league’s ownership group, echoed Waugh’s views, stressing the benefits for players from associate nations.

“Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands already have solid domestic structures, but this league adds another layer,” Mills said.

“Players from these countries want to test themselves in competitive environments around the world, but opportunities are limited. The ETPL can give them that exposure,” he added.

Mills believes the tournament will help bridge the gap between domestic cricket and the international stage, offering European players a chance to be seen and recognised on a broader platform.

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With experienced global figures backing the initiative and regional boards lending institutional support, the European T20 Premier League is being positioned as a long-term investment in the sport’s future across the continent — a vision that has drawn Steve Waugh back into cricket with renewed purpose.