The cricket world buzzes with news of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), a visionary six-team competition launching in 2026 across Ireland, Scotland, and Netherlands. Owned by stars like Steve Waugh, Glenn Maxwell, and Abhishek Bachchan, it’s primed to transform the sport in Europe.
Kicking off August 26 and wrapping September 20, the schedule hugs The Hundred’s finale, cementing its status as a marquee event. ICC-approved as Europe’s first multi-country T20, it navigates CPL timing challenges with flair.
Key franchises: Waugh and Dwyer’s Amsterdam Flames; Maxwell and Lund’s Irish Wolves; Mills and McCullum’s Edinburgh. Bachchan, leveraging his ISL/Pro Kabaddi experience, co-founds with Malhotra and Indian backers.
Big names commit early—Smith, Marsh, Edwards to Flames; Tim David negotiations advanced. Waugh hails it as pivotal for locals, accelerating growth through elite exposure.
Powered by Cricket Ireland-Rules Global JV, plus Scottish/Dutch partners, ETPL invests in infrastructure and fan-centric experiences. Indian broadcast rights near finalization; early games in Ireland/Netherlands, finals pending. Three teams secured (Amsterdam, Belfast, Edinburgh), three primed for sale (Dublin, Rotterdam, Glasgow).
ETPL blends star ownership, precise scheduling, and development goals into a powerhouse league, destined to expand cricket’s European horizons and thrill global fans.