New Delhi, January 6 (HS) : Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has invested in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

It is a privately owned franchise tournament, in which three member cricket countries - Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands have invested as co-owners.

The ETPL will run from July 15 to August 3 and will see the best players from the three countries playing in true European style along with world-class players from around the world.

Speaking about his investment in the European T20 Premier League, Abhishek said, “Cricket is not just a sport; it is 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 grow even more. I am very excited about this unique collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. I am dedicated to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the ETPL becomes a resounding success and brings cricket closer to millions across Europe. This is just the beginning. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get playing.”

The development of the league has been led by an interim working group, comprising representatives from the participating cricket boards. This working group has been tasked with driving key decision-making processes and overseeing the establishment and resourcing of a dedicated administrative unit to manage the tournament.

Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland and Chairman of ETPL, welcomed Abhishek’s involvement, saying, “His deep passion for the game and entrepreneurial acumen add tremendous value to our vision of elevating the status and profile of European cricket. With the support of the ICC, Abhishek’s commitment to our shared vision, as well as the exceptional expertise brought to the tournament by Saurav, Priyanka and Dheeraj of Rules Sport Tech, we are confident that we can create a cricket experience that elevates the game, inspires young talent and provides a tremendous platform for European cricket on the global cricket stage.”

Sourav Banerjee, Director of ETPL, highlighted the potential of the region, saying, “Cricket, which is the second most watched sport globally, is gaining significant momentum in Europe. With 34 of the 108 ICC members from the region, our goal is 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 working tirelessly with us over the past year. We also look forward to working closely with Abhishek, whose commitment and active participation in the sport has been truly inspirational.”

A formal launch event for the ETPL will be organised in due course, revealing key franchise and fan information, including franchise ownership, name and brand, as well as details about the player draft.

Priyanka Kaul, Director, ETPL, said, “Starting with six teams – Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh and Glasgow – and ensuring extensive coverage by key media partners, the tournament will reach a worldwide audience, with Europe, India, Australia, England being some of the key markets. Abhishek’s deep passion for sports and his enthusiasm for this initiative is invaluable. We look forward to continuing this exciting collaboration with him on this journey.”

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar