Cricket is set to explode across Europe with the launch of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), a groundbreaking multi-nation tournament backed by Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan and Australian legend Steve Waugh. Announced this week, the league features six franchises and aims to elevate the sport’s profile on the continent.
The ETPL will span Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, marking the first ICC-recognized T20 competition played across multiple European countries. Scheduled from August 26 to September 20, 2026, it comes just days after England’s The Hundred final, positioning it as a key end-of-season event. While there’s potential overlap with the Caribbean Premier League, organizers are confident in its unique appeal.
High-profile owners are driving the excitement. Steve Waugh heads the investor group for Amsterdam Flames, joined by former Australian field hockey star Jamie Dwyer. Glenn Maxwell co-owns Irish Wolves alongside ex-NRMA CEO Rohan Lund. Edinburgh franchise is in the hands of New Zealand stalwarts Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum. Abhishek Bachchan, a co-founder with deep ties to Indian sports leagues like ISL and Pro Kabaddi, brings Bollywood flair alongside investors including ex-Delhi Capitals CEO Dhiraj Malhotra.
Star power extends to the playing field. Steve Waugh revealed that Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh have signed with Amsterdam Flames, with Netherlands captain Scott Edwards on board and talks ongoing with Tim David. This influx of global talent promises to sharpen local skills, as Waugh noted: playing alongside the world’s best for four to five weeks will transform European players.
A joint venture between Cricket Ireland and India’s Rules Global, with strategic partnerships from Cricket Scotland and Netherlands Cricket, ETPL prioritizes infrastructure growth and fan experiences. Bachchan hinted at an imminent Indian broadcast deal, with initial matches in Ireland and Netherlands, and finals venue pending. Three franchises—Amsterdam, Belfast, and Edinburgh—are sold, with Dublin, Rotterdam, and Glasgow teams up for grabs.
This ambitious project isn’t just about matches; it’s a catalyst for cricket’s European renaissance, blending entertainment, investment, and top-tier competition to create lasting memories for fans.