Europe finally has its T20 league, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Unlike major T20 leagues, ETPL is unique for its squad composition.
So what’s the squad size in the ETPL?
The ETPL has capped each squad size at 17 players. And the 17 slots need to be filled according to different player categories.
Now, what are these player categories in the ETPL?
The major category is Local Players. Those from Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland fall under this category. And teams can have a minimum of eight local players in the mix.
Of the eight locals, at least two must be Affiliate Local Players.
Now, what’s an Affiliate Local Player?
So basically, a player representing the franchise from his home country. For instance, a player from Ireland playing for either Belfast Wolves or Dublin Guardians.
So what about the other European players?
They come under the European Associate Player category. All players from the European ICC associate members, outside Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland, are eligible for this.
Each ETPL team must sign at least one European Associate Player in their squad.
Any slots for associate players from outside Europe?
Yes, there are. Teams can pick at least one non-European associate player. And these cricketers come under the Global Associate Player category.
European and Global Associate Player categories combine to form the broader Associate Player category.
Check overseas player limit in other T20 leagues here
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How Many Overseas Players Are Allowed in a CPL Team?
How Many Overseas Players are Allowed in an SA20 Squad?
Alright, what about the overseas players?
Players from ICC full-member countries fall under the overseas category. And teams can sign a maximum of six overseas players.
So, how many overseas players are allowed in the playing XI in the ETPL?
Like most T20 leagues, each ETPL team can field a maximum of four overseas players in the XI.
What’s the final playing XI composition in the ETPL?
So with four overseas players locked in, the remaining seven slots belong to Local and Associate players.
Teams can field at least five Local players (Local + Affiliate Local) and two Associate players (European and Global).
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