The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is set to launch in August 2026, with an ownership group featuring cricket legends. Australian greats Steve Waugh and Glenn Maxwell, along with Bollywood actor and league owner Abhishek Bachchan, former New Zealand players Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, have been unveiled as franchise owners.
The six-team, ICC-sanctioned tournament will kick off around August 26, marking cricket’s ambitious expansion into Europe’s untapped market. After a year’s postponement, the league now appears ready to take off with substantial backing from the cricket boards of the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland.
First Three Franchises Announced
The league officially unveiled its first three teams during a ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday. World Cup-winning captain Steve Waugh will own Amsterdam alongside Jamie Dwyer, a five-time World Player of the Year and Olympic gold medallist, and Tim Thomas, former CEO of the Centre for Australia-India Relations. Edinburgh has been secured by Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills, both former New Zealand internationals, while Belfast will be promoted by Australian T20 superstar Glenn Maxwell in partnership with Rohan Lund, former Group CEO of NRMA. The remaining three franchises will be announced next month.
Strategic Timing and Vision
Speaking from Australia, Abhishek Bachchan expressed excitement about the league’s imminent launch. “We have been working towards it for the last two years and are very excited that it has all come together just as planned.” The August-September window has been strategically chosen to slightly overlap with the Caribbean Premier League while avoiding clashes with England’s The Hundred and Major League Cricket in the USA, ensuring access to top international talent.
Ownership Perspectives
Steve Waugh emphasized the league’s significance, calling Europe “the game’s last great frontier.” He noted his selective approach to cricket investments, stating that this opportunity stood out due to its aspiration and long-term vision. Maxwell, equally enthusiastic about the Belfast franchise named Irish Wolves, said, “We will build a culture of fun, family, and playing without fear. Cricket Ireland has made huge strides in expanding the game over the last two decades.”
The ETPL will feature 34 matches across six teams with full ICC sanction and backing from KNCB, Cricket Ireland, and Cricket Scotland. Bachchan confirmed that salary cap details and broadcast timings are being finalized in consultation with all franchise owners to reach a consensus before the official launch.
