Faf Du Plessis On T20 Revolution: "No Total Is Safe in IPL Now" As Impact Sub Changes The Game Former South African captain Faf du Plessis, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, discussed the transformation of T20 cricket, emphasizing how the IPL’s Impact Player rule has fundamentally altered the game. Du Plessis, who co-owns the Rotterdam franchise in the European T20 League (ETPL), highlighted the shift in scoring dynamics and the growing unpredictability of match outcomes. He noted that the introduction of an extra batter in the lineup has made traditional "safe" totals obsolete, with scores exceeding 200 becoming increasingly common. Du Plessis explained that the IPL’s evolution is driven by both rule changes and the aggressive playing style of younger cricketers. The Impact Player rule, which allows teams to field 11 batters instead of 10, has significantly influenced scoring rates. "There are no more 'safe' targets," he said. "The whole system of cricket has changed. It’s not just about how much you score anymore—it’s about how the game is evolving." He praised the current IPL season for its high-scoring matches, with over 31 totals surpassing 200, and acknowledged the role of younger players in pushing the boundaries of the format. The interview also touched on Du Plessis’s transition from player to co-owner of the Rotterdam franchise. He described the opportunity as unique, driven by the league’s potential for growth and the appeal of European cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. "Europe, in terms of franchise league cricket, is still relatively untouched," he said. "International cricket there has done really well, but league cricket is still growing.#ipl #ndtv #faf_du_plessis #rotterdam #european_t20_league
Faf du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes, and Heinrich Klaasen Acquire Rotterdam Franchise for European T20 Premier League Faf du Plessis, along with Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen, has formed a consortium to acquire the Rotterdam franchise for the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), a six-team tournament set to debut in August 2026. The league, which will run from August 26 to September 20 across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, aims to establish itself as one of the premier T20 competitions globally. Du Plessis, who will co-own the team and captain it, emphasized the league’s potential to align with South African cricketing values while fostering growth in Europe. The ETPL, a 33-game tournament, marks a significant step in expanding T20 cricket beyond traditional strongholds. Rotterdam, the fifth franchise sold in the league, joins Amsterdam (backed by Steve Waugh), Belfast (co-owned by Glenn Maxwell), Edinburgh (supported by Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum), and Glasgow (co-owned by Chris Gayle). Dublin remains the sixth team in the competition. The consortium’s decision to focus on South Africa reflects a strategic effort to diversify the league’s international appeal, with Rhodes highlighting the desire to add “a little bit of a needle” to matches against Australian and New Zealand teams. Du Plessis, a seasoned player known for his versatility across leagues, described the ETPL as an opportunity to contribute to a “new tournament” and “build something very South African.” He noted the league’s potential to attract global audiences by showcasing high-profile players and creating an engaging experience for fans. “You want to make sure you align with the ones that are the best,” he said, underscoring the league’s ambition to become a benchmark in T20 cricket.#heinrich_klaasen #faf_du_plessis #jonty_rhodes #rotterdam #european_t20_premier_league
