With the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) approaching, cricket and hockey came together in the Netherlands as several prominent names from both sports attended the India-Netherlands clash at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. ETPL co-owner Abhishek Bachchan, Dublin Guardians co-owner Rahul Dravid, Amsterdam Flames co-owners Steve Waugh and Jamie Dwyer were present at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday, August 22.
Following the match, Bachchan met the Harmanpreet Singh-led Indian hockey team and wished the players success for the remainder of their World Cup campaign. Dravid, Waugh, and Dwyer watched the action from the stands.
Reflecting on his experience at the Hockey World Cup, Bachchan praised the tournament’s organisation and the development of the sport. He said it was his first time attending the World Cup and described the overall experience as impressive. He also highlighted the flair and excitement that modern hockey has brought to fans.
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The visit comes just days before the European T20 Premier League begins its inaugural season. The ICC-sanctioned T20 franchise competition will start on August 26 and feature six city-based teams. The tournament will run until September 20, with matches scheduled across Voorburg in the Netherlands and Malahide in Ireland.
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The opening game will see Rotterdam Dockers take on Amsterdam Flames in Voorburg as the ETPL begins its first season with ambitions of strengthening cricket’s presence across Europe.
Meanwhile, the India-Netherlands hockey fixture ended in disappointment for Harmanpreet and his team. India suffered a 1-3 defeat after the Netherlands took control during the final two quarters. The hosts scored the opening goal in the third quarter before adding two more in the fourth.
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Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s only goal, but his effort was not enough to prevent another setback for the side. The defeat was India’s second loss in four matches at the 2026 Hockey World Cup and has left their semifinal hopes in serious doubt. India now faces a must-win clash against Argentina on Monday, August 24.
To keep their semifinal hopes alive, India needs a victory by at least five goals against Argentina. They will also require the Netherlands to defeat England in the other Pool E fixture. With qualification hanging in the balance, India’s margin for error is now extremely small.
