Cricket's European Invasion: New League Launches!

The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has officially announced its first three host cities: Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Belfast. These franchises will compete in the league's inaugural season, scheduled to commence in late August 2026. The venture is a joint effort between Rules Global and Cricket Ireland, with supporting partnerships from Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB).

Prominent international cricket figures are investing in the league. Steve Waugh, former Australian captain, is part of the ownership group for the Amsterdam franchise. Glenn Maxwell, an Australian all-rounder, will lead the ownership for the Belfast team, supported by Rohan Lund. Former New Zealand internationals Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills are set to own the Edinburgh franchise.

League co-founders, including Abhishek Bachchan, aim to create a platform that blends established international players with burgeoning European talent, prioritizing governance and sporting integrity. The ETPL is positioned to develop commercial and professional opportunities in European cricket markets, which represent a significant portion of the ICC's global membership. This launch aligns with increasing European participation in international cricket, with Italy qualifying for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and several European nations set to host matches in the same tournament.