In a major boost for European cricket, India cricket legend Rahul Dravid has been named as co-owner of the Dublin franchise in the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The 53-year-old batting icon, who played 164 Tests and 344 ODIs for India and served as head coach from 2021 to 2024, joins an Indian consortium that has acquired the team, to be known as the Dublin Guardians.
"It's absolutely brilliant to be involved. When I first heard about this it was really exciting," Dravid said. "I've always loved the passion and energy of cricket in Europe. The passion with which the players play the game. I've seen the passion of grassroots and also the T20 World Cup has shown the talent, too. That's something we can grow and build. It would be a dream to see the talent on the world stage."
The ETPL, backed by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, will feature six teams based in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan is also a part-owner of the league alongside Rules Sport Tech, a private Indian company.
Franchises have been sold for £11.1 million ($15 million) over a 10-year period, with the inaugural edition set to run from August 26 to September 20. Matches will be staged in Rotterdam and Dublin, marking a new chapter for the sport in Europe.
Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice called it a "landmark day for European cricket," adding that the league has brought in "the best from world cricket" with its franchise backers. "It's going to make a huge impact across Europe. I am excited by the calibre of people who are backing the teams. It's all about the visibility and development of the game in a region where it can grow."