ICC Sanctions European T20 Premier League, Backed by Abhishek Bachchan as Co-Owner

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Entertainment | January 6, 2025 | News

European T20 Premier League (ETPL)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), a franchise-based T20 cricket tournament scheduled to be held annually. The inaugural edition will take place from July 15 to August 3, 2025, featuring six teams representing cities in Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

The ETPL, a collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, aims to boost cricket's presence in Europe. The privately-owned league will provide opportunities for local talent while including international players to raise the standard of competition.

Adding further significance, actor and entrepreneur Abhishek Bachchan has joined the ETPL as a co-owner. His involvement is expected to bring broader attention to the tournament, helping it connect with cricket fans worldwide.

Speaking about his association with the ETPL, Abhishek 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. 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.”

The tournament’s development has been guided by an interim working group comprising members from the three cricket boards. The group partnered with Rules Sport Tech to secure funding and establish an administrative framework for the league. KPMG is advising on financial planning and governance to ensure a transparent and sustainable setup.

Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland and Chair of the ETPL, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Abhishek Bachchan as a co-owner of the ETPL. His deep passion for sports and entrepreneurial acumen add tremendous value to our vision of elevating the status and profile of European cricket. With ICC’s support, Abhishek’s commitment to our shared vision, alongside the exceptional expertise brought to the tournament by Saurav, Priyanka, and Dhiraj from Rules Sport Tech, we believe we can create a cricket experience that elevates the game, inspires young talent, and provides a tremendous platform for European cricket on the global cricketing stage."

The ETPL will feature six teams: Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The tournament aims to engage audiences across Europe and key markets like India, Australia, and England. A player draft is expected in early 2025, with matches broadcast globally to reach a wide audience.

Saurav Banerjee, Director of ETPL, highlighted the league’s potential:
"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."

Priyanka Kaul, Director of ETPL, added:
"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, and 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."

Ravi Rajan Group, led by Founder S Ravi and Partner Abhishek Ravi, emphasized the importance of financial integrity, stating that transparency and due diligence are central to building a reliable platform for all stakeholders.

A formal launch event is planned to provide further details about franchise ownership, team branding, and the player draft.