Indian cricket icon Rahul Dravid has officially been announced as the co-owner of the Dublin Guardians franchise in the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL), marking a major development for cricket’s expansion across Europe.
The announcement was made during the league’s official launch event in Dublin as ETPL finalised its six-team structure ahead of the inaugural 2026 season.
The move signals a new chapter in Dravid’s cricketing journey after his successful stints as India coach, mentor, and player, with the former captain now entering the franchise ownership space.
ETPL Eyes Europe’s Cricket Boom
The European T20 Premier League is being launched with the backing of Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association.
The tournament will feature six city-based franchises representing Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.
Organisers believe the league can become a major catalyst for cricket’s growth in Europe, particularly as the sport continues expanding beyond its traditional markets.
The inaugural season is expected to run from August 26 to September 20, 2026, featuring 33 matches across Ireland and the Netherlands.
Dravid Focused on Grassroots Growth
Speaking about his involvement, Dravid said the larger vision behind ETPL attracted him to the project.
The former India captain highlighted the importance of grassroots development and creating pathways for emerging talent across Ireland and Europe. He also pointed to Dublin’s passionate cricketing community and its long-term growth potential.
Dravid has long been associated with nurturing young cricketers, having played a crucial role in shaping India’s next generation during his time with the National Cricket Academy and the Indian national team setup.
Star Power Boosts ETPL Ambitions
The new league has already attracted several high-profile cricket personalities and investors from around the world.
Former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle is associated with the Glasgow franchise, while South African stars Faf du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes and Heinrich Klaasen are part of the Rotterdam ownership group. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is linked with the Belfast franchise, while former Australia captain Steve Waugh has invested in the Amsterdam team.
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, one of the co-founders of ETPL, described the tournament as an effort to bring world-class cricket entertainment to Europe while building long-term opportunities for local talent.
Big International Names Expected
The league is also expected to feature several established international cricketers, including Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, Liam Livingstone and others.
Reports also suggest that veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could lead the Dublin Guardians during the inaugural season.
The growing list of global stars involved has added significant attention to ETPL even before the first ball has been bowled.
The Way Ahead
Rahul Dravid’s entry into ETPL ownership represents another important milestone for the ambitious European league as it prepares for its debut season.
With strong backing from cricket boards, global investors, and legendary players, ETPL hopes to position Europe as one of cricket’s next major growth markets while creating new opportunities for talent development across the continent.
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