For the first time ever, the cricket landscape in Europe is undergoing a seismic shift European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is gearing up for its long-awaited debut. At a grand launch event on Monday, May 11, 2026, the league officially unveiled its full roster of six city-based franchises, each backed by a constellation of international sports legends and business icons.
ETPL, scheduled to operate from August 26 to September 20, 2026, Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and Royal Netherlands Cricket Association. The tournament aims to make the continent a premier destination for short-format cricket, bridging the gap between associate countries and global powerhouses.
Dublin Guardians has named the popular Indian cricket star as the franchise owner of the European T20 Premier League
The spotlight of the launch event shone brightest on the Dublin franchise, revealing its high-profile ownership. In a move that sent ripples through the global cricket community, Rahul Dravid, The legendary former Indian captain and World Cup winning coach has been announced as the owner Dublin Guards.
The wall of Indian cricket is not only his name but also a deep long-term vision for the franchise. Dravid stated that his main motivation for joining ETPL was the opportunity to strengthen grassroots development in Ireland and Europe. He highlighted that the region has a passionate cricketing community with untapped potential.
A veteran off-spinner who adds more Indian flavor to the Irish side Ravichandran Ashwin Appointed Captain of the Dublin Guards. Under Dravid’s mentorship and Ashwin’s tactical brilliance, the Dublin-based side are already being touted as heavy favorites for their maiden title.
Other big names join hands in the ETPL
The ETPL has managed to attract an unprecedented level of investment from current and former cricketers, ensuring that each franchise carries a distinct superstar personality. Apart from the Dublin Guardians, the ownership groups of the remaining five teams read like a Hall of Fame list:
- Belfast (Wolves of Ireland): Australia is partnered with explosive tendencies Glenn Maxwell and Rohan Lund.
- Amsterdam (Amsterdam Flames): Backed by former Australian captain Steve Waughhockey symbol Jamie Dwyerand Tim Thomas.
- Edinburgh (Edinburgh Castle Rockers): It is owned by a New Zealand-heavy consortium Kyle Mills, Nathan McCullumand Rachel Wiseman.
- Glasgow (Glasgow Cosmic/Mugafians): Owned by Universe Boss Chris Gayle and Vipul Aggarwal.
- Rotterdam (Rotterdam Dockers): Including having a powerhouse ownership group Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessisand Glashin and Samir Shahwith Madhukar Shree as managing partner.
The league is further strengthened by the presence of a Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchanco-founder and co-founder of the league, was instrumental in bringing India’s commercial interest to European shores.
Fans can expect high-octane action on the pitch Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Santner, Liam Livingstone and Heinrich Klaasen confirmed his participation. With 33 matches spread across Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the ETPL will be the defining cricket event of the European summer of 2026.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin Explains Why Akeal Hosein Plays Bigger Role Than Sanju Samson For CSK
