European cricket has taken a major step forward with the official announcement of the first three franchises of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The six-team competition, backed by Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, will stage its inaugural season in late August 2026, with matches spread across Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands.
The league aims to establish a strong professional T20 structure in Europe and attract global audiences, especially from cricket-loving markets like India. The project has high-profile backing, including Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is part of the league’s ownership group
First Three ETPL Franchises and Owners
Amsterdam Flames (Netherlands)
The Amsterdam franchise will be led by Australian great Steve Waugh, marking his return to franchise cricket in an ownership role.
He is joined by former Australian hockey icon Jamie Dwyer and business leader Tim Thomas. The team plans to blend European talent with experienced overseas players in its debut season.
Edinburgh Castle Rockers (Scotland)
This Scottish side is owned by former New Zealand internationals Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills. Their focus will be on building a strong high-performance setup and giving opportunities to emerging players from Scotland and other associate nations.
Belfast Irish Wolves (Northern Ireland)
The Belfast franchise features Australian T20 star Glenn Maxwell as a co-owner alongside corporate executive Rohan Lund. The team is expected to bring an aggressive, fan-friendly brand of cricket to the league.
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Remaining Franchises Still to Be Revealed
ETPL has confirmed that the final three teams will be based in:
- Dublin (Ireland)
- Rotterdam (Netherlands)
- Glasgow (Scotland)
Ownership details for these franchises are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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European T20 Premier League: Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| League Name | European T20 Premier League (ETPL) |
| Status | ICC-approved |
| Teams | 6 |
| Format | Round-robin + playoffs |
| Host Countries | Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands |
| Inaugural Season | August 2026 |
| Key Backers | Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, KNCB |
| Target Audience | European & global (India focus) |
ETPL is being viewed as a fresh opportunity to professionalise cricket in Europe. With legendary players turning owners and a clear pathway for associate-nation talent, the league hopes to raise standards, improve visibility and create a sustainable cricket ecosystem across the continent.
With more franchise announcements and player signings on the way, the European T20 Premier League is shaping up to be one of the most interesting new cricket projects ahead of the 2026 season.
