FanCode ECS Germany Krefeld constitutes 10 teams split into two groups.
Here are the runners and riders in Group A which springs into action on Monday from the new home of German cricket.
Group A
Bayer Uerdingen Boosters (BUB)
MSC Frankfurt are the team to beat in Group A on account of their cricketing talent and tournament pedigree. In fact, the European Cricket Series Frankfurt champions are the only side featuring at the FanCode ECS Germany Krefeld to boast any previous ECS experience.
Formed only in 2018, VfB Gelsenkirchen are a relatively new, inexperienced team, with little previous exposure on the big stage. That said, what was once a social group of refugees have evolved into a talented team definitely ready to spring a surprise or two in hardball cricket.
Koln Challengers were formed in 2013 and can boast much less silverware than their more illustrious local rivals Koln CC. However, Koln Challengers are not to be underestimated over the shorter format and will look to spring a surprise or two along the way.
Formed only last year, Bayer Uerdingen Boosters find themselves on a very steep learning curve in this tournament, but do enjoy the benefit of home advantage and have a couple of experienced, former German internationals in their ranks. Aachen Rising Stars boast a host of explosive talent in their ranks and it will be interesting to see if they can perform on the big stage when the ECS spotlight is zooming in.