A brand-new cricket league, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), is scheduled to kick off in July. This tournament will be held in Dublin, Ireland, and Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Organizers announced that the ETPL, featuring six teams and a total of 33 matches, will run from July 15th to August 8th. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially approved this event.
This unique league is a collaboration between Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Each of these countries will host two franchise teams. The teams will consist mainly of local players, with eight home players and one development player from another European nation, emphasizing the growth of European cricket talent.
The ETPL highlights its unique structure, being supported by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands together, unlike other leagues typically supported by a single board. This unified support shows a strong dedication to expanding cricket across Europe.
The league aims to tap into the broad European market, excluding England, presenting significant opportunities for growth as it connects with new countries.
Teams from Ireland will represent Dublin and Belfast, adding local rivalry to the competition. The ETPL’s goal is to boost cricket development in Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, providing a platform for emerging players to gain international exposure.
Following a format similar to other successful T20 leagues with franchise teams and player drafts, the ETPL distinguishes itself as the first of its kind to involve three different nations.
Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan is involved as a promoter and co-founder of the league. He expressed his enthusiasm for the ETPL, stating it’s a great chance to grow cricket in Europe, nurture local talent, and offer top-tier entertainment to fans. He believes the league will showcase European cricket and create a vibrant experience for families and communities.
