January 6, 2025: Abhishek Bachchan, the renowned Bollywood actor, entrepreneur, and passionate sports enthusiast, has officially joined the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) as a co-owner, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of cricket in Europe.
The ETPL, a privately-owned franchise-based tournament sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC), will kick off on July 15th, 2025, running through August 3rd, 2025. The tournament will feature top-tier talent from the three participating countries—Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands—alongside international players, bringing a truly global flavor to European cricket.
In his statement about joining the league, Bachchan emphasized cricket’s unique ability to unite people across borders. He expressed excitement about the growing global appeal of cricket, especially with the sport being included in the 2028 Summer Olympics, which he believes will further fuel its popularity worldwide.
“Cricket is not just a sport; it’s a unifying force that transcends boundaries,” Bachchan said. “The ETPL is the ideal platform to showcase cricket’s growing global appeal. With cricket being included in the 2028 Olympics, its popularity will further surge. I am humbled and excited about this unique collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin.”
The league is being led by a strategic working group, which includes key figures from the Irish, Scottish, and Dutch cricket boards, and is being supported by Rules Sport Tech, a key strategic partner. This group is tasked with making critical decisions regarding the league’s structure and operations, ensuring that the tournament delivers an exciting experience for fans and players alike.
Bachchan’s investment adds substantial international appeal to the league, further enhancing its credibility. Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland and Chair of the ETPL, expressed his enthusiasm for Bachchan’s involvement: “We are delighted to welcome Abhishek Bachchan as a co-owner of the ETPL. His deep passion for sports and entrepreneurial acumen add tremendous value to our vision of elevating the status and profile of European cricket.”
The ETPL will feature six teams representing key European cities—Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow—and will be broadcast across multiple regions including Europe, India, Australia, and the UK. The league aims to make cricket a mainstream sport in Europe, where it is growing rapidly, and offer an exciting platform for both established and emerging cricket talent.
Priyanka Kaul, Director of the ETPL, shared her excitement about the potential of the league: “Starting with six teams and with prominent media partners ensuring extensive coverage, the tournament will reach audiences worldwide. Abhishek’s passion for sports and enthusiasm have been invaluable in shaping this initiative.”
With KPMG providing financial oversight and due diligence, the ETPL is committed to ensuring a transparent and sustainable platform for all stakeholders involved, including players, fans, and franchise owners.
As the countdown to the first season of the ETPL begins, anticipation is high for the league to provide thrilling cricket action, nurture new talent, and establish itself as a major force in the world of cricket.
