Daryl Mitchell is part of the Dublin Guardians squad in the inaugural European T20 Premier League, which was announced as a new franchise on May 11, 2026. The New Zealand batter had joined the competition as it establishes itself across European venues, with the Dublin team playing matches in both the Netherlands and Ireland.
Mitchell has spoken positively about his experience with the franchise. He described the Dublin Guardians environment as awesome and highlighted the great bunch of guys in the dressing room. The early matches have not produced the desired outcomes for the team, but Mitchell remains focused on the broader impact of the competition.
Mitchell believes the ETPL will help the game of cricket grow globally. He sees the league as providing a valuable opportunity for local European players to experience franchise cricket at a competitive level. The competition represents one of multiple franchise leagues emerging globally, each contributing to the expansion of the sport.
Why Mitchell values the ETPL opportunity
The appeal of playing in Europe during the summer months has been significant for Mitchell. As a New Zealand international cricketer, he values the ability to play cricket in Europe, particularly during the European summer when conditions are favourable. New Zealand is in its winter season, making the European opportunity especially attractive from a weather and scheduling perspective.
“I think for me it’s just being able to play cricket in this part of the world. We don’t get to do it a lot as international cricketers, so to be able to come here and experience a different culture, and just to be here at the end of summer — it’s pretty cold back home in New Zealand at the moment, in the middle of winter. It’s much nicer being here and being able to play cricket in a beautiful part of the world. It’s very cool,” Mitchell said in an interview with The Cricket News.
How franchise cricket builds global connections
Mitchell expects young superstars to emerge from the ETPL region as the competition develops. He views franchise cricket as a platform that enables players to build relationships with teammates from different cricket systems, fostering connections across the sport.
“It’s been awesome. Obviously a great bunch of guys, and although the first couple of games haven’t gone the way we planned in terms of outcomes, it’s a lovely group and great people, and I’m really enjoying it. It’s obviously a new experience for me being here in the Netherlands and playing cricket, and I thought it’s been really cool. Firstly, what a beautiful spot to be in in the summer, or end of the summer, here in Europe. So yeah, loving my time here — it’s good fun,” Mitchell said.
The Dublin Guardians squad includes players such as Peter Hatzoglou, an Australian identified as the craziest and funniest guy in the dressing room, reflecting the diverse composition of the team.
“I don’t really want to throw anyone under the bus, but his name’s Peter [Hatzoglou], and he’s Australian! We’ve got some great characters in the team — he’s very funny. I’ve really enjoyed his company, along with a number of the Irish boys as well,” Mitchell mentioned.
That’s the cool thing, I guess, about franchise cricket — you get to make some mates that you probably haven’t been able to play much with in international cricket, and definitely guys I’ll be keeping in touch with after this tournament too,” he added.
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The presence of established international players like Mitchell alongside emerging talent demonstrates the ETPL’s commitment to creating a competitive environment. The league continues to develop as it progresses through its inaugural season, with franchises working to establish themselves and build momentum in the competition.
