Irfan Pathan-owned Ghent Gladiators grab inaugural EUT20 Belgium title

Ghent Gladiators, the franchise co-owned by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, were crowned champions of the inaugural EUT20 Belgium after defeating Antwerp Anchors by three wickets in a thrilling final to claim the title.

Led by South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, the Gladiators completed a tense chase of 179 with just one ball to spare, finishing on 179/7 in 19.5 overs to cap a memorable campaign in the tournament’s maiden season.

After being asked to bat first, Antwerp Anchors posted a competitive 178 in their allotted 20 overs, setting up an exciting title decider between two of the tournament’s standout teams. Ghent Gladiators held their nerve in the closing stages of the chase to secure a memorable victory and become the first champions in the competition’s history.

Ali Khan was named Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution in the final, while Antwerp Anchors all-rounder JJ Smit was recognised as the Player of the Tournament following an outstanding campaign.

Irfan Pathan, shareholder of Ghent Gladiators, said: “Winning a title is always special, but becoming the first-ever champions of a new tournament makes this achievement even more memorable. Congratulations to all the players, coaching staff and everyone involved with Ghent Gladiators.

“From the beginning, we believed in the vision of EUT20 Belgium and in the potential for cricket to grow across Europe. The quality of cricket throughout the tournament showed why franchise cricket has such an important role to play in developing the game in emerging markets. To see players from different countries sharing a dressing room and competing at such a high standard is exactly what this league was created to achieve.

“This victory is a reward for the hard work put in throughout the tournament and hopefully the first of many successful chapters for the franchise,” Pathan added.

Shahid Edakan,  Franchise Lead – Ghent Gladiators, said: “This is a defining moment for the Ghent Gladiators legacy. Throughout this tournament, our players did more than win—they displayed the elite character and relentless grit that form the very DNA of this franchise. The final was a masterclass in what we stand for.”

Mr. Ansari, Co-Owner of the Ghent Gladiators, added: “This victory is a testament to the belief and hard work we put into this franchise. The boys gave everything in the final, and we couldn't be prouder.”

“To win the inaugural edition of EUT20 Belgium is a fantastic achievement. We are grateful to our supporters, partners and everyone who contributed to this success. We look forward to building on this foundation in the seasons ahead.”

Temba Bavuma, captain of Ghent Gladiators, said: “Finals are often decided by small moments, and credit to the players for staying composed under pressure. Chasing 179 in a championship match is never easy, but the team backed its skills and executed well when it mattered most.

“It has been a privilege leading this group throughout the tournament. We played some excellent cricket and showed great resilience when challenged. To finish the inaugural season by lifting the trophy is incredibly satisfying.”

The 2026 EUT20 Belgium marked the inaugural season of the professional men’s T20 franchise competition and featured five teams representing Belgian cities. The tournament was played from June 6 to 14 in a round-robin format followed by the playoffs and final, with all matches hosted at Stars Arena in Zemst, near Brussels.

Established in late 2025, the league aims to accelerate the professionalisation and growth of cricket across Belgium and Europe. Former England captain Eoin Morgan served as the tournament’s global brand ambassador for the inaugural season.

The competition attracted an impressive roster of international talent from across the cricketing world. Among the biggest names taking part were Faf du Plessis, Jason Roy, Alex Hales, James Vince, Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Temba Bavuma, Rilee Rossouw, Corey Anderson and Shoaib Malik.

Ghent Gladiators entered the tournament with a strong international core, including Bavuma, Dwaine Pretorius, Duan Jansen, James Vince and Australian batter Josh Brown, helping establish the franchise as one of the competition’s leading contenders.

The success of the inaugural EUT20 Belgium season highlights the growing appetite for cricket across Europe and provides a strong platform for the continued development of the sport in the region.