Rahul Dravid, Ravichandran Ashwin set to invest in European T20 Premier League

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In a significant move to grow cricket beyond traditional strongholds, former Indian stars Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin have joined an Indian consortium to acquire the Glasgow-based franchise in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL).

This investment sees two of India's most respected cricketing minds transition into franchise ownership in a league aiming to establish the sport across mainland Europe.

The ETPL, approved by the International Cricket Council and supported by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, is scheduled to run as a six-team T20 competition from August 26 to September 20, 2026. The tournament will feature franchises based in Amsterdam, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, and Dublin.

Each team will operate under a £1.1 million salary cap, creating space to attract both emerging European talent and established international players. Matches are set to take place at historic venues including VRA Cricket Ground in Amsterdam, Stormont in Belfast, and others, promising fast-paced cricket in fresh markets.

Dravid, widely regarded as one of the game's greatest batsmen and a former successful India head coach, brings immense experience to the Glasgow side. His brief stint playing for Scotland in 2003 gives him a personal connection to the region. Ashwin, the world-class off-spinner who retired from international cricket in 2024 after a stellar career, views the venture as a chance to help develop the sport in new territories while mentoring young players.

European T20 Premier League and Star Owners

The league boasts an impressive roster of star owners. Australian legend Steve Waugh co-owns the Amsterdam franchise alongside other prominent figures from sport and business. All-rounder Glenn Maxwell has partnered in the Belfast team. Former New Zealand internationals Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills lead the Edinburgh outfit. A South African consortium featuring Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, and Jonty Rhodes fronts the Rotterdam side. The Dublin team remains available, with interest reportedly coming from owners involved in England's The Hundred.

Co-owned by a Bollywood actor and an Indian sports-tech firm, the ETPL aims to blend entertainment with competitive cricket to unlock Europe's potential. With high-profile players already committed and global icons now investing as owners, the tournament is set to deliver exciting action and accelerate cricket's expansion into one of its final frontiers.