Kathmandu - Nepal allrounder Dipendra Singh Airee has been picked by Amsterdam Flames for the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL).
The Flames confirmed Dipendra;s signing through social media post. His selection gives Nepal a second representation in the new European franchise league after Sandeep Lamichhane was picked by Rotterdam Dockers.
The ETPL is Europe's first ICC-sanctioned franchise T20 league and will be played from August 26 to September 20, 2026. The tournament will feature 32 matches between six city-based teams from the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland.
Amsterdam Flames are one of the two Netherlands-based franchises, alongside Rotterdam Dockers. The Flames are owned by a consortium featuring former Australia captain Steve Waugh, Olympic gold medallist Jamie Dwyer and businessman Tim Thomas.
Australia's T20I captain Mitchell Marsh will lead Amsterdam. The franchise has already announced a strong international core, with Steve Smith, Tim David and Netherlands captain Scott Edwards among the signed players.
The 24-year-old has been one of Nepal's most influential white-ball players, known for his finishing ability, sharp fielding and useful off-spin. He holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty, reaching the landmark in nine balls against Mongolia at the Asian Games in 2023, and also became the third player to hit six sixes in an over in T20Is.
Sandeep, meanwhile, will represent Rotterdam Dockers. The Rotterdam franchise is led by Faf du Plessis and owned by a group that includes du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes, Heinrich Klaasen and Bollywood actor John Abraham, with Madhukar Shree as managing partner.
Rotterdam’s official squad page is also yet to publish the full list, but Sandeep's announcement has already made it a notable tournament for Nepali cricket. With Dipendra at Amsterdam and Sandeep at Rotterdam, Nepal will have players in both Dutch franchises of the ETPL’s first season.
