At a glance
- Rahul Dravid joins ETPL as Dublin Guardians owner
- European T20 Premier League launches in August 2026
- League features cricket stars and celebrity franchise owners
Former India captain Rahul Dravid will help shape cricket’s future in Europe after taking ownership of Dublin Guardians ahead of the inaugural European T20 Premier League season.
The six team tournament will launch in August 2026. The new competition has already attracted a remarkable blend of cricketing icons business figures and celebrity influence. Dublin Guardians will represent Ireland’s capital as the league establishes Europe’s first ICC sanctioned multi country franchise T20 competition.
Dravid Backs Cricket Growth Across Europe
Dravid said the opportunity to support the development of cricket beyond traditional strongholds was a key factor behind his involvement in the project.
In a statement released following the announcement Dravid said:
“What attracted me to ETPL was the larger vision behind it the opportunity to help grow cricket in Europe by strengthening grassroots development and creating pathways for emerging talent across Ireland and Europe.
“Dublin already has a passionate cricketing community and enormous potential for growth. Nurturing the next generation has always been important to me and I believe ETPL can play a meaningful role in that journey.”
Cricket Ireland Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association launched the league. There will be franchises representing Dublin Belfast Edinburgh Glasgow Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
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Star Power Surrounds New European T20 League
The ETPL already boasts an impressive ownership group with several former and current international cricketers attached to franchises across the competition.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan co-owns the league while Glenn Maxwell, Steve Waugh, Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis have also invested in franchises across the competition.
Du Plessis and Maxwell will also take the field during the tournament. Overseas stars, Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitchell Santner and Liam Livingstone are also set to feature.
Rahul Dravid Excited by Mix of International and Local Talent
Dravid believes one of the league’s biggest strengths will be the interaction between established global stars and emerging European players.
Speaking after joining the Dublin franchise Dravid said:
“I know some of the names some absolutely great players.
“A great opportunity for them to be able to play with so many of the local Irish Scottish Dutch and European players. I think that in itself should be a really exciting opportunity.”
Also Read: What Is the Highest Ever Individual Score in T20 Cricket and Can Anyone Surpass Chris Gayle’s 175*?
Fan Experience Will Be Key to ETPL Success
While the quality of cricket will remain central to the tournament Dravid stressed that building a vibrant fan culture will be equally important if the league is to establish itself in a competitive European sporting landscape.
Discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the ETPL Dravid said:
“At the grassroots level it’s about creating that awareness for the fans it’s about getting people on the ground it’s about giving them a great experience.
“When they come to the cricket the quality has got to be of a high standard but the experience of everything else at that venue has to be top notch. Because we are competing with some very very established sports.”
With major cricketing names already attached and growing excitement around the tournament the ETPL is positioning itself as one of the sport’s boldest expansion projects in recent years.
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