The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has moved a step closer to its long-awaited debut with the official unveiling of its first three franchises — Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Belfast — at a launch event in Sydney, set against the iconic backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The announcement drew global attention, amplified by social media posts from Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, one of ETPL’s co-founders. The event marked a significant moment for European cricket, with internationally recognized figures stepping into franchise ownership and signalling the league’s ambition and credibility.
Beyond Teams: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
ETPL aims to go beyond traditional franchise cricket. Its founders describe it as a long-term, sustainable platform for European cricket, supported by national cricket boards and built with governance and operational expertise from established institutions.
The league, officially sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC), will feature six city-based teams across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands when it launches in late August 2026.
“Mainland Europe is not traditionally known for cricket,” Bachchan told Reuters from Sydney. “But it represents a massive opportunity. With ETPL, we hope to bring the excitement of T20 cricket to Europe and create a strong, sustainable league.”
Europe is home to 34 ICC member nations, including full members England and Ireland. Associate nations such as Scotland and the Netherlands have featured in World Cups, and Italy is preparing for its T20 World Cup debut, reflecting the growing interest in cricket across the continent.
Franchise Owners Bring Global Expertise
The three inaugural franchises will be led by notable cricket figures:
Amsterdam Franchise
The Amsterdam team will be captained in ownership terms by Steve Waugh, the former Australian captain and two-time World Cup winner. Joining Waugh are:
- Jamie Dwyer, five-time International Hockey Federation Player of the Year
- Tim Thomas, former CEO of the Centre for Australia–India Relations and ex-KPMG partner
“This is about upholding the standards and spirit of cricket while helping grow the game in Europe, which remains cricket’s last frontier,” Waugh said. He added that franchise cricket provides invaluable exposure for local players:
“Dutch players will have the chance to play alongside world-class cricketers like Mitchell Marsh or Steve Smith. That experience is unparalleled.”
Edinburgh Franchise
The Edinburgh franchise will be owned by former New Zealand internationals:
- Nathan McCullum, high-performance cricket coach
- Kyle Mills, former ICC No.1-ranked ODI bowler
“ETPL has all the ingredients to become a serious force in global cricket,” Mills said, citing the league’s governance and international partnerships.
Governance and Collaboration
ETPL is co-founded by Abhishek Bachchan, Saurav Banerjee, Priyanka Kaul, and Dhiraj Malhotra, and is operated through a joint venture between Rules Global (Rules X) and Cricket Ireland, with support from Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB).
“The franchises represent intent, integrity, and vision,” Bachchan said. “ETPL will bring together international stars and emerging European talent while setting high standards for governance and sporting integrity.”
The league has also been welcomed by European cricket administrators:
- Brian MacNeice, Chair of ETPL and Director at Cricket Ireland, called it a landmark moment for Irish cricket.
- Trudy Lindblade, CEO of Cricket Scotland, highlighted the new pathways for Scottish players.
- Lucas Hendriske, interim CEO of KNCB, said the Netherlands is proud to play a central role in shaping the league’s future.
A New Chapter for Cricket in Europe
After two earlier delays — first conceived as the Euro T20 Slam in 2019, and postponed last year — ETPL now appears firmly on track for a 2026 launch. The inaugural season will feature:
- World-class international players including Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh
- Emerging European talent
- A technology-driven league structure
- A globally aligned broadcast window
With high-profile owners, ICC sanctioning, and a focus on governance and sustainable growth, ETPL is positioned to become a defining development in European cricket.
About ETPL
The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is an ICC-sanctioned, multi-country franchise cricket league scheduled to launch in 2026. Owned and operated through a joint venture between Rules Global (Rules X) and Cricket Ireland, an ICC Full Member, ETPL is supported by strategic partnerships with Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association.
Conceived as Europe’s first pan-European franchise competition, the league will feature city-based teams in major European markets, with inaugural franchises in Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Belfast. Played in a globally aligned broadcast window, ETPL is positioned as a credible, long-term platform for elite competition and the development of emerging international talent, backed by experienced leadership and Europe’s leading cricket institutions.
