Rahul Dravid, former India cricket captain, and Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan have joined an investor group that has bought into the Dublin Guardians franchise. This completes the six-team structure of the new league.
The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is a franchise-based T20 cricket competition that will feature teams from cities across Europe, including Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. The tournament is being developed in partnership with cricket boards from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, and is seen as a major push to grow cricket in Europe.
Dravid said he is excited to be involved and believes Europe has strong potential for cricket growth due to its existing interest in the sport and grassroots talent. He also highlighted that the league can help players develop and reach the international stage.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to captain the Dublin team after retiring from international and IPL cricket, making him eligible for overseas leagues.
The league also features several high-profile cricket names and investors, including former international players and other celebrity stakeholders, underlining its global ambitions.
The ETPL is scheduled to begin its first season in 2026.
