The post EXCLUSIVE: When established figures associate themselves with a new league, it sends a strong signal to fans, sponsors, and stakeholders that the project has serious intent and potential — Mr Rohan Ravindran, BCF Treasurer & BCF-ICC Liaison Officer & Regional Representative appeared first on SportsMint Media.
As cricket expands outside its traditional strongholds, the formation of EUT20 Belgium marks a daring new chapter for the sport in Europe. The league, designed as the continent’s first professional T20 franchise league, symbolises a long-term goal of unlocking an untapped market and establishing a sustainable cricketing ecosystem from the bottom up.
The league, supported by the Belgian Cricket Federation and linked with worldwide criteria set by the International Cricket Council (ICC), combines international star power with a heavy emphasis on local talent development via its distinctive 2-4-4-6 format.
With long-term franchise ownership secured, rising stakeholder interest, and a planned launch geared at addressing India, the sport’s greatest market, EUT20 Belgium is establishing itself as more than simply another T20 league. It reflects a bigger goal: to connect grassroots cricket in Europe to the global stage, attract investment and tourists, and reimagine how and where the game may thrive in the years ahead.
to know more about the league, SportsMint Media got the opportunity to interact with Mr Rohan Ravindran, BCF Treasurer & BCF-ICC Liaison Officer & Regional Representative. In the brief interaction, Mr Rohan spoke about BCF’s role in the league, business standpoint for them, and more.
1. What inspired the idea of launching a franchise league in Europe, particularly in an untapped market like Belgium?
When we came on board at the Belgian Cricket Federation, we wanted to go beyond the traditional league structures that existed. While domestic competitions and T20 formats were already in place, the vision was to build something more exciting and globally relevant. A franchise-based league had always been a long-term ambition for the board.
This journey has been in motion for nearly four years. We explored multiple avenues and engaged with several stakeholders, but nothing materialised initially. It was only last year that things began to align. We followed a structured due diligence process in line with International Cricket Council guidelines, and today, we’re finally seeing that vision take shape. In many ways, this league is the realisation of a long-standing dream for cricket in Belgium.
2. From a business standpoint, why is this the right time to launch such a league, and what challenges do you foresee?
Europe remains one of the most untapped markets for cricket, despite having a strong diaspora from the subcontinent. This creates a unique opportunity to grow the sport, not just in terms of viewership but also talent development.
Leagues like this can act as a gateway for associate nations in Europe to build stronger cricketing ecosystems. However, there are operational challenges. In Europe, infrastructure like grounds and facilities are often controlled by local communes or city councils. Securing permissions and navigating administrative processes can be time-consuming. That said, once the league successfully launches, it can set a precedent. If this model works, it could open doors for similar leagues across Europe.
3. What kind of revenue model do you envision for EUT20 Belgium?
While commercial aspects such as sponsorships are being handled by partners like Destino Legends Sports, from our perspective, one of the biggest opportunities lies in sports tourism. As the league grows, it will attract international audiences, players, and stakeholders to Belgium. This will naturally drive visibility for cities that are currently under the radar globally. While places like Bruges are well-known, cities such as Ghent and Liège have immense cultural and visual appeal that can gain global attention through the league. In many ways, just like cinema once boosted tourism in Switzerland, cricket could play a similar role for Belgium and neighbouring European nations.
4. The league features several big names as stakeholders and franchise owners. How did that come together?
Bringing in globally recognised names was a strategic decision. It not only boosts the league’s visibility but also adds a layer of credibility and trust. When established and respected figures associate themselves with a new league, it sends a strong signal to fans, sponsors, and stakeholders that the project has serious intent and long-term potential. It’s both a validation of our efforts and a catalyst for future growth.
5. How important are broadcast and streaming partnerships for a new league like this?
Broadcast and streaming are absolutely critical, especially for a new league entering a competitive global calendar. However, these aspects are being managed by our commercial partners. From the Federation’s side, our focus is on ensuring that the on-ground product is of the highest quality, right from pitches and venues to overall infrastructure. A strong foundation on the ground, combined with effective broadcast distribution, is what will ultimately determine the league’s success.
The post EXCLUSIVE: When established figures associate themselves with a new league, it sends a strong signal to fans, sponsors, and stakeholders that the project has serious intent and potential — Mr Rohan Ravindran, BCF Treasurer & BCF-ICC Liaison Officer & Regional Representative appeared first on SportsMint Media.