Abhishek Bachchan has joined the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) as a co-owner. The league, which is sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC), will feature teams from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. The inaugural season is set to take place from July 15th to August 3rd, 2025, and will showcase top players from these nations alongside international cricketers.
The league is being developed with guidance from a working group made up of representatives from the participating cricket boards and strategic partner Rules Sport Tech. This group will oversee the establishment of an administrative body to manage the tournament.
KPMG has been appointed as the league’s advisors, providing assistance with financial planning, governance, and strategic direction. A formal launch event for the ETPL will be scheduled to announce franchise details and player drafts.
The ETPL aims to bring new talent to the forefront and offer entertainment to cricket fans worldwide.
“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. I sincerely thank the ICC and the three boards for their tireless work, and I have immense faith in our team to bring this event to fruition. I congratulate Warren, Saurav, Priyanka, Dhiraj, Andrew and the countless others who have been working hard over the last year in making this a reality. I am dedicated to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the ETPL becomes a resounding success, bringing cricket closer to millions across Europe. This is just the beginning. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin,” Abhishek Bachchan said.
“Cricket, the second most-watched sport globally, is gaining significant momentum in Europe. With 34 out of 108 ICC members from this region, we aim to make cricket a major sport here, building a legacy that players, fans, and stakeholders can proudly celebrate. This would not have been possible without the support of Cricket Ireland, who have been tirelessly working with us over the last year to make this happen. We also look forward to working closely with Abhishek, whose commitment to sports and active involvement has been truly inspiring,” Saurav Banerjee, Director, ETPL, said.
“Starting with six teams — Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow – and with prominent media partners ensuring extensive coverage, the tournament will reach audiences worldwide, with Europe, India, Australia, England, being some of the key markets. Abhishek’s deep passion for sports and enthusiasm in this initiative have been invaluable. We look forward to continuing this exciting collaboration with him on this journey,” Priyanka Kaul, Director, ETPL, added.