Former India captain and batting great Rahul Dravid has entered franchise ownership in the newly launched European T20 Premier League, taking on a strategic role with the Dublin Guardians. The announcement was made on Monday, alongside the unveiling of the full six-team structure for the inaugural edition of the tournament, which aims to establish a new chapter for professional franchise cricket in Europe.
The league brings together franchises based in Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, each representing a key European city with growing cricket interest. Organisers believe the competition will act as a catalyst for expanding the sport beyond its traditional strongholds, particularly in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
Dravid described his involvement as driven by a long-term vision for the development of the game. He emphasised that the project’s focus on nurturing young talent and broadening cricket’s reach in Europe strongly aligned with his own philosophy. According to him, Dublin already possesses a strong cricketing culture, and the potential for structured growth in the region is significant.
He also highlighted that talent development has always been a priority throughout his career, and he views this league as a meaningful platform to identify and support emerging players who aspire to compete at the highest level.
The Dublin Guardians will be captained by former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, adding further international experience to the franchise’s leadership structure. The competition is expected to feature several global T20 specialists, with names such as Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, Liam Livingstone, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis and Heinrich Klaasen linked to participation.
The league is being jointly organised by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, marking one of the first coordinated attempts to build a cross-border franchise ecosystem in European cricket. The inaugural season is scheduled to run from 26 August to 20 September, positioning it within a busy global cricket calendar.
European T20 Premier League – Franchise Overview
| Team | Captain | City | Notable Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Guardians | Ravichandran Ashwin | Dublin | Mitchell Marsh |
| Belfast Franchise | Not yet confirmed | Belfast | Tim David |
| Edinburgh Franchise | Not yet confirmed | Edinburgh | Mitchell Santner |
| Glasgow Franchise | Not yet confirmed | Glasgow | Liam Livingstone |
| Rotterdam Franchise | Not yet confirmed | Rotterdam | Glenn Maxwell |
| Amsterdam Franchise | Not yet confirmed | Amsterdam | Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen |
Organisers and investors present at the launch described the initiative as a potential turning point for European cricket. With international stars, experienced leadership and institutional backing, the league aims to raise competitiveness while creating a sustainable pathway for young European cricketers to enter the global game.