Celebrated actor, sports enthusiast, and entrepreneur Abhishek Bachchan has invested in the European T20 Premier League as a co-owner, marking a pivotal step in his ongoing contribution to global sports. The ICC-sanctioned league will be held from 15 July to 3 August 2025, with matches hosted across Dublin and Rotterdam in the event’s inaugural year. Representing a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the league unites the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands – and offers a transformative platform to expand cricket’s reach globally.
With this investment, Abhishek further underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing sports on a global scale, and a dedication to fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities in cricket while promoting the game’s growth across diverse markets.
Expressing his gratitude, Abhishek Bachchan highlighted the instrumental support of Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland, and the shared vision to elevate cricket on the international stage.
Abhishek Bachchan shared his thoughts:
“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. With cricket being included in the 2028 Olympics, its popularity will further surge. I’m humbled and excited about this first-of-its-kind collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. I sincerely thank the ICC and the three boards for their tireless work, and I have immense faith in our team to bring this event to fruition. I congratulate Warren, Saurav, Priyanka, Dhiraj and the countless others who have been working hard over the last year in making this a reality. With our commitment to excellence, together, we aim to build a high-quality sports league rooted in integrity, fostering innovation and professionalism. I am dedicated to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the ETPL becomes a resounding success, bringing cricket closer to millions across Europe. This is just the beginning. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin.”
Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland and Chair of the ETPL, welcomed Abhishek’s involvement, emphasising the league’s transformative potential for European cricket: “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. With ICC’s support, Abhishek’s commitment to our shared vision, alongside the exceptional expertise brought to the tournament by Saurav, Priyanka and Dhiraj from Rules Sport Tech, we believe we can create a cricket experience that elevates the game, inspires young talent, and provides a tremendous platform for European cricket on the global cricketing stage.”
Saurav Banerjee, Director of the ETPL, shared insights on the league’s mission:
“Cricket, the second most-watched sport globally, is gaining significant momentum in Europe, especially among youth. With 34 out of 108 ICC members hailing from Europe, the region presents immense potential for growth. By fostering local passion and global recognition, we aim to make cricket a major sport in Europe, building a legacy that players, fans, and stakeholders can proudly celebrate.”
Priyanka Kaul, Director of the ETPL, added her perspective:
“The ETPL is more than just a League; it’s a transformative movement to unlock cricket’s potential in the broader European context. Starting with six teams — Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow – this league aims to ignite local passion and capture global attention. With prominent media partners ensuring extensive coverage, the tournament will reach audiences worldwide, with Europe, India, Australia, and Pakistan being some of the key markets. The ETPL provides a significant journey for many of the best European cricketers and, hopefully, paving the way for a brighter future for the sport in the region.”
S Ravi, Founder, Ravi Rajan Group and Financial Advisor, ETPL , underscored the league’s commitment to transparency and financial integrity: “Due diligence and transparency are at the core of the ETPL. By prioritizing these values, we aim to set a benchmark for accountability in sports management. With robust financial oversight, we are committed to building a trusted and sustainable platform for all stakeholders.”
Adding to the league’s business framework, KPMG serves as Advisors, providing comprehensive support in financial planning, due diligence, governance, and strategic advisory. Gaurav Vohra, Partner at KPMG, expressed optimism about the league’s success, citing the credibility of the official cricket boards, the commitment of stakeholders and investors, the involvement of Abhishek Bachchan, and the valuable support from the ICC as key driving factors.
With strong backing from cricket boards, strategic partners and a shared ethos of collaboration, the ETPL is set to revolutionise cricket in the broader European context, nurturing new talent and delivering unparalleled entertainment to fans worldwide.
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