Cricket is being brought to European Union now in a big way. Antwerp Anchors, a franchise in the EUT20 Belgium Cricket League, yesterday announced that former India fast bowling legend and World Cup winner Zaheer Khan has joined the club as a co-owner.

One of the most celebrated left-arm pace bowlers of his generation, Khan brings to the Antwerp Anchors not only his iconic cricketing stature but a deep passion for growing the game in new markets — a mission central to the EUT20 league’s founding vision, the EU cricket league cricket franchise said in a press statement yesterday released via NewsVoir.

The EUT20 Belgium Cricket League will be played from June 4 to 14 in Brussels, marking a historic milestone for cricket in continental Europe. The tournament will bring together some of the most recognisable names in global T20 cricket, playing for franchise teams that represent Belgium’s rich multicultural landscape.

Khan will be formally introduced as co-owner and partner of the Antwerp Anchors in all official league communications, marketing materials, and media engagements. His involvement extends beyond ceremonial. As a stakeholder, he will play an active role in shaping the franchise’s cricketing identity and long-term direction, the statement said.

“Europe is a big canvas for cricket, and I genuinely believe we are only at the beginning of what is possible here. Being a co-owner of the Antwerp Anchors is not just a business proposition, it is a chance to be part of building something meaningful from the ground up.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to find new talent across this continent and give those players the environment, the belief, and the platform to perform to their fullest potential. That has always been close to my heart. I look forward to being in Brussels in June and getting started,” Khan said.

Anchoring the Antwerp Anchors’ playing lineup is a trio of global stars that underscores the franchise’s ambition from day one.  Andre Russell, the explosive West Indian all-rounder and one of the most feared match-winners in T20 cricket worldwide, headlines the squad.

“Having Zaheer Khan as a co-owner is the clearest possible signal of what the Antwerp Anchors stand for. He is a legend of the game, a proven winner, and someone who knows how to build for the long term. His involvement is not only a huge statement for the franchise, but also a powerful opportunity to support the growth of the European cricketing community and inspire the next generation of youth talent — a core pillar of Anchor. Add Andre Russell to that picture, and I believe every cricket fan in Europe will want to be watching us in Brussels this June,” Nagendra Siddoutam, Owner, Antwerp Anchors, exulted.

The EUT20 Belgium Cricket League is part of the growing wave of T20 franchise cricket taking root across Europe. The league’s inaugural edition will be played from June 4–14 in Brussels, featuring multiple franchise teams and a roster of international talent that reflects the global appeal of the shortest format of the game.

Among the confirmed players across franchises for the tournament are David Warner, Alex Hales, Sam Billings, Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Martin Guptill, Sakib Ul Hasan, Colin Munro, Wayne Parnell, Chris Lynn, Sandeep Lamichhane, Shoaib Malik, Deep Airee and Rohit Paudel, among others.