Abhishek Bachchan Invests in European T20 Premier League to Boost Cricket in Europe

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan who already has a team in Pro Kabaddi League has added another sport to his list and has signed up for European T20 Premier League (ETPL). This new tournament enhances cricket in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. This is because it seeks to offer a forum for these players to show their talent and compete with the best cricketers in the world, thus producing a combination of domestic and international players.

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) got a major uplift last week when it was recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This approval enables the league to rope in players from the ICC member nations as well as the associate countries which will help the league to have more global appeal and to attract the best cricketers from across the globe.

The ETPL will kick off its inaugural season from the 15th of July to the 3rd of August. The tournament will comprise teams from Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. With Abhishek Bachchan coming on board the league is expected to get good media coverage, especially from India which is the world’s biggest cricketing market.

ETPL to Mark a New Era for Cricket in Europe

“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 unique collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands," Bachchan said.

The actor who has already invested his money in the Indian Pro Kabaddi League with his team Jaipur Pink Panthers and also co-owns the Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League thanked other stakeholders for making the ETPL happen. He was thankful for everyone who contributed to making the league happen.

“I sincerely thank the ICC and the three boards for their tireless work. I congratulate Warren, Saurav, Priyanka, Dhiraj, Andrew, and countless others who have worked over the past year to make this dream come true. This is just the beginning. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin,” Bachchan added.

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, is to chair the European T20 Premier League with Saurav Banerjee and Priyanka Kaul as its Directors. More details about this league, like team names and ownerships and player drafts, will be known at a launch event that the league will shortly host. It is going to be a much-needed step toward cricket's burgeoning popularity in Europe.