After owing a team in the Pro Kabaddi League Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has joined the newly established European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The tournament, aimed at transforming cricket in Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, is set to provide players from these nations a global platform to showcase their talent. It will also allow them to compete alongside and against some of the finest cricketers from around the world.
The ETPL received a significant boost last week when the International Cricket Council (ICC) formally recognized the tournament. This ICC sanction ensures that the league can recruit players from both ICC member nations and associate countries, strengthening its global appeal.
When will the ETPL tournament happen?
The inaugural season of the ETPL will be held from July 15 to August 3, 2025, featuring teams from Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Abhishek Bachchan On ETPL
Abhishek Bachchan’s involvement is expected to bring heightened media attention from India, the world’s largest cricket market. Sharing his excitement, Bachchan said:
“Cricket is not just a sport; it’s a unifying force that transcends boundaries. 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’m humbled and excited about this unique collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.”
The actor, who has previously invested in India’s Pro Kabaddi League owns Jaipur Pink Panthers and Indian Super League’s co-owns football team Chennaiyin FC, expressed his gratitude to the ICC and other stakeholders for their efforts in making the ETPL a reality.
“I sincerely thank the ICC and the three boards for their tireless work. I congratulate Warren, Saurav, Priyanka, Dhiraj, Andrew, and countless others who have worked over the past year to make this dream come true. This is just the beginning. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin,” Bachchan added.
Stakeholders and Future Plans
Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland, will serve as the Chair of the ETPL. Saurav Banerjee and Priyanka Kaul have been appointed as the league’s Directors.
A formal launch event will soon unveil key franchise details, including team names, ownerships, and player draft information. The ETPL aims to cement cricket’s growing popularity in Europe and promises to be a milestone event for the sport in the region.
