Bollywood’s Abhishek Bachchan joins ‘European T20 Premier League’ as co-owner

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has made a significant move by welcoming renowned Bollywood actor and sports enthusiast Abhishek Bachchan as a co-owner. The league, which is set to run from July 15 to August 3, 2025, aims to elevate cricket’s presence in Europe by bringing together top talent from Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, and international players.

Abhishek Bachchan, known for his involvement in various sports ventures, expressed his excitement about joining the ETPL. He highlighted cricket’s ability to unite people globally, especially with its recent inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. “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. I’m humbled and excited about this unique collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands,” said Bachchan. He extended his gratitude to the ICC and the participating boards, praising their efforts to bring the league to life. “This is just the beginning. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin,” he added.

Sanctioned and backed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the ETPL will feature six teams representing key cities across Europe: Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The league’s format will see local talent from the three nations compete alongside world-class players, providing a platform to enhance cricket’s popularity in a region where the sport is still emerging. The tournament aims to attract global audiences, with key markets including Europe, India, Australia, and England.

Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland and Chair of the ETPL, welcomed Abhishek Bachchan’s involvement, emphasizing the impact of his passion for sports on the league’s future. “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,” Deutrom stated. He also acknowledged the critical role played by strategic partner Rules Sport Tech and its team members Saurav Banerjee, Priyanka Kaul, and Dhiraj in shaping the league’s foundation.

Saurav Banerjee, Director of the ETPL, shared insights into the growing potential of cricket in Europe. “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,” Banerjee said. He also praised Abhishek Bachchan’s commitment to sports and his active involvement in promoting the league.

Priyanka Kaul, another Director of the ETPL, highlighted the importance of media partnerships in ensuring the league’s success. “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. 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,” she said.

Financial transparency and sustainability are key pillars of the ETPL’s business framework. S Ravi, Founder of the Ravi Rajan Group, and Abhishek Ravi, Partner at the same group and Financial Advisor to the ETPL, stressed the importance of financial integrity in building a credible platform. “Transparency and due diligence are at the core of the ETPL. With robust financial oversight, we are committed to building a trusted and sustainable platform for all stakeholders,” said S Ravi.

The league has partnered with KPMG, a leading global advisory firm, to provide comprehensive support in financial planning, governance, and strategic advisory. KPMG’s involvement ensures that the league adheres to best practices in financial management, further strengthening its credibility.

The development of the ETPL has been overseen by an interim working group comprising representatives from the participating cricket boards and strategic partner Rules Sport Tech. This group is responsible for key decision-making processes and the establishment of a dedicated administrative entity to manage the tournament.

A formal launch event for the ETPL will be held soon to unveil franchise details, player draft information, and other key aspects of the tournament.