The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC), is gearing up for its inaugural season, scheduled from July 15 to August 3, 2025. This landmark event aims to bring top-tier cricket to Europe, featuring talent from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, alongside global cricket stars. Adding a touch of global appeal and star power, actor and entrepreneur Abhishek Bachchan has joined the league as a co-owner.
A Milestone for European Cricket
The ETPL, a privately-owned franchise tournament, is a collaborative effort between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. The league is poised to showcase the best cricketing talent in Europe while attracting global audiences with its competitive format and high-quality matches.
Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland and Chair of the ETPL, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Abhishek Bachchan’s passion for sports and entrepreneurial spirit brings immense value to our mission of elevating European cricket. With the ICC’s support and the expertise of our team, this league will inspire young talent and place European cricket firmly on the global map.”
Abhishek Bachchan’s Vision
Abhishek Bachchan shared his excitement about the venture, emphasizing cricket’s universal appeal. “Cricket is more than a sport; it’s a force that unites people across borders. With cricket set to feature in the 2028 Olympics, the ETPL is the perfect platform to amplify the sport’s global reach. I am honored to collaborate with the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, and I am committed to ensuring the league’s success.”
Bachchan also praised the tireless efforts of the ETPL team, saying, “This is a collective achievement. I am thrilled to join this journey and help bring cricket closer to millions across Europe. The games are just beginning, and I look forward to seeing the ETPL thrive.”
Strategic Development and Future Plans
The ETPL’s growth is being spearheaded by an interim working group comprising representatives from the participating cricket boards and strategic partner Rules SportsTech. This group is responsible for key decisions and establishing a dedicated administrative entity to manage the tournament.
Saurav Banerjee, Director of the ETPL, highlighted cricket’s rising popularity in Europe, stating, “With 34 out of 108 ICC members from Europe, the region has tremendous potential for cricket growth. We aim to create a legacy that players, fans, and stakeholders will cherish for years to come.”
Priyanka Kaul, also a Director at ETPL, announced that the league will begin with six teams—Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. With partnerships from prominent media outlets, the ETPL is set to capture audiences in key markets like Europe, India, Australia, and England.
Financial Transparency and Sustainability
The ETPL is committed to maintaining financial transparency and integrity. S. Ravi, Founder of Ravi Rajan Group, emphasized the league’s robust financial oversight, while KPMG has been onboarded as a financial advisor to ensure comprehensive planning, governance, and strategic advisory.
A formal launch event will soon reveal franchise ownership, player draft details, and other key updates.
Transforming Cricket in Europe
The ETPL is set to revolutionize cricket in Europe by nurturing emerging talent and delivering world-class entertainment to fans globally. With the involvement of influential figures like Abhishek Bachchan and the support of cricket boards and strategic partners, the league is poised to make a significant impact on the global cricketing landscape.
