James Vince and Alex Hales Join EUT20 Belgium Lineup
Several high-profile English cricketers, including James Vince and Alex Hales, are set to participate in a new men’s T20 tournament being staged in Belgium this summer. The EUT20 Belgium, a six-team competition, will take place on the outskirts of Brussels from 6 to 14 June, offering players and fans a unique opportunity to experience competitive cricket in mainland Europe.
The event will overlap with the T20 Blast, England’s premier domestic Twenty20 competition. However, Hampshire batsman James Vince, 34, is expected to be available for the entirety of the tournament despite his commitments with the Hampshire Hawks. Hampshire have a home fixture against Surrey at The Oval on 5 June but are not scheduled for another T20 Blast match until 26 June against Yorkshire at the Utilita Bowl, providing a clear window for Vince to participate in Belgium.
Alex Hales, 37, who opted out of domestic T20 cricket in England last year, is also registered to compete in the EUT20 Belgium. Hales’ inclusion highlights the tournament’s ambition to attract globally recognized white-ball players, adding star power to the inaugural event. In addition to Vince and Hales, a number of other English county players on white-ball only contracts have registered to play, though their names have not been publicly disclosed.
The tournament is attracting talent from across the globe. South Africa will be represented by a trio of seasoned internationals: Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, and Faf du Plessis. From New Zealand, Tim Southee, one of the country’s leading fast bowlers, is set to compete, while Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, a world-class all-rounder and T20 specialist, is also confirmed. The presence of these international stars underlines the competitive quality and growing international appeal of the EUT20 Belgium.
Six teams, each representing a different Belgian city—Antwerp, Bruges, Leuven, Liège, Ghent, and Brussels—will take part in the tournament. All matches will be played at 12 Stars Cricket Club Hofstade, where new grass pitches have been installed to meet international standards. This investment in infrastructure underscores Belgium’s commitment to developing high-quality facilities for cricket and enhancing the spectator experience.
Each team will operate under a salary cap of £183,000 ($250,000), which they will allocate through a player draft scheduled for 24 March. Although the tournament organizers have not released exact player salaries, it is understood that contracts will range from £1,500 to £22,000 ($2,000–$30,000). Squads will be limited to 16 players, with a requirement that at least three players come from Belgium’s domestic setup, ensuring that local talent is integrated alongside international stars. Only one Belgian player must be included in the playing XI, allowing teams to balance experience and emerging talent.
The EUT20 Belgium is sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is organized by Destino Legends Sports LLC, an Indian-backed company, in partnership with Cricket Belgium. Belgium, an Associate member of the ICC, currently ranks 45th in the T20 global rankings, highlighting the tournament’s role in providing valuable exposure to associate nations and promoting cricket in regions outside the traditional powerhouses.
The tournament has already attracted high-profile endorsements. Eoin Morgan, England’s former World Cup-winning captain, serves as an ambassador for the EUT20 Belgium, lending credibility and visibility to the competition. Despite similarities in name, the EUT20 Belgium is not connected to the European T20 Premier League, which will be held later in the year across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. This distinction emphasizes the unique identity of the Belgian tournament and its role in expanding the cricketing landscape across Europe.
The EUT20 Belgium marks an important milestone for cricket in the country. Belgium has a long history with the sport, but it has remained largely on the periphery of the global cricketing map. By hosting a professional, ICC-sanctioned T20 tournament with participation from international stars, the Belgian cricket authorities aim to raise the profile of the sport nationally, inspire young cricketers, and strengthen the infrastructure needed for cricket to flourish.
The tournament’s format and schedule are designed to maximize competitive intensity while accommodating international players’ availability. With only six teams competing over nine days, every match carries significant weight, increasing the stakes for both local and international players. Fans can expect a fast-paced tournament with matches held on grass pitches that meet international standards, providing conditions similar to those seen in major T20 leagues around the world.
From a strategic perspective, the inclusion of international stars such as Vince, Hales, du Plessis, and Hasaranga provides a benchmark for local players. Competing alongside and against world-class talent will allow Belgian cricketers to gauge their abilities, learn advanced techniques, and develop a better understanding of the demands of professional T20 cricket. For the international players, the tournament offers an opportunity to stay match-fit during the European summer, gain exposure in a growing cricket market, and expand their personal brand.
In terms of logistics, the grass pitches at 12 Stars Cricket Club have been specifically prepared to handle multiple high-intensity matches in quick succession. This ensures that the tournament can maintain a high standard of play throughout its duration. Additionally, the club has made arrangements for training facilities, accommodations, and fan engagement activities, aiming to create a professional environment for players and an enjoyable experience for spectators.
Financially, the salary cap system ensures that the tournament remains competitive while providing teams with flexibility to build balanced squads. With contracts ranging widely, players from various backgrounds—both seasoned internationals and emerging domestic talents—will find opportunities to participate. The draft system, scheduled for 24 March, allows teams to strategically assemble squads that blend experience, skill sets, and local talent.
The EUT20 Belgium represents more than just a short-term competition. It is part of a broader effort to grow cricket in non-traditional markets, particularly in continental Europe. By successfully hosting an international-standard T20 league, Belgium hopes to attract sponsorship, increase media coverage, and inspire a new generation of cricketers. The tournament also sets a precedent for future European T20 competitions, potentially paving the way for Belgium to become a hub for professional cricket during the summer months.
With its combination of international stars, competitive structure, and ICC sanctioning, the EUT20 Belgium has the potential to become a regular feature on the European cricket calendar. Its timing in June, during the English off-season for some players and overlapping only partially with the T20 Blast, ensures that both local and international talents can participate.
In conclusion, the EUT20 Belgium is a groundbreaking initiative for cricket in continental Europe. By attracting top international players, providing competitive opportunities for Belgian domestic cricketers, and securing ICC sanctioning, the tournament is poised to deliver high-quality cricket and help grow the sport’s profile in the region. With stars like James Vince, Alex Hales, Faf du Plessis, and Wanindu Hasaranga on board, the inaugural edition promises to be a thrilling spectacle for players and fans alike.
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