Rahul Dravid becomes owner of cricket team in this T20 league, R Ashwin named captain

The European T20 Professional League (ETPL) solidified its star-studded roster on May 11 with the announcement of Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid as the owner of the Dublin Guardians. This high-profile acquisition completes the league’s six-team franchise lineup, adding significant prestige to the competition as it prepares for its inaugural season in 2026.

The official unveiling took place during a landmark event in Dublin, which served as a gathering for the league’s diverse ownership group. Dravid was introduced alongside fellow franchise owners, including Caribbean icon Chris Gayle and Vipul Aggarwal of the Glasgow franchise, as well as Jonty Rhodes and Madhukar Shree representing the Rotterdam team. The ceremony was hosted by ETPL co-founders Abhishek Bachchan, Saurav Banerjee, Priyanka Kaul, and Dhiraj Malhotra.

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The event also highlighted the robust institutional support for the project, with several senior leaders from European cricket governing bodies in attendance. Figures such as Brian MacNeice and Sarah Keane from Cricket Ireland, Roland Lefebvre of Cricket Netherlands, and Trudy Lindblade of Cricket Scotland were present to endorse the venture. Their participation underscores the growing momentum behind what will be Europe’s first ICC-sanctioned, multi-country franchise T20 league.

The ETPL represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association. This partnership has birthed a first-of-its-kind cross-border franchise model, featuring six teams based in Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. By establishing roots in these key cities, the league aims to position Europe as the sport’s next major growth frontier, with long-term plans to expand into new markets as cricket's popularity and participation rates climb across the continent.

Beyond its innovative structure, the league is set to become a powerhouse of talent by attracting a host of international icons. Heavy hitters such as Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Liam Livingstone, and Faf du Plessis are expected to feature, alongside stars like Heinrich Klaasen, Tim David, and Mitchell Santner. This influx of world-class talent creates a unique platform for emerging players from Europe and other Associate Nations, allowing them to gain invaluable experience by competing against and sharing dressing rooms with the biggest names in the global game.