The organizers of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) announced the venues and dates for the inaugural edition of the brand-new franchise-based cricket tournament. The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is set to take place in Dublin, Ireland, and Rotterdam, Netherlands, from July 15 to August 8. The tournament will feature six teams and 33 matches will be played. This league is seen as a significant step in expanding cricket across Europe.
European T20 Premier League announces venues and dates for inaugural season
Unlike most leagues run by a single cricket board, the ETPL is a collaborative product of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Each country will have two franchise teams, with squads consisting of eight homegrown players and one development player from a European nation.
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The European T20 Premier League said in an official statement as reported by Cricbuzz: “Unlike other leagues typically supported by a single national board, the ETPL boasts the unified backing of Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and Cricket Netherlands, demonstrating an unprecedented level of collaboration and commitment to growing the game across the region.”
This league is designed to develop local talent and give young cricketers more chances to shine. The ETPL hopes to attract a wider European audience, even in places where cricket is not very popular by bringing multiple countries together.
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Meanwhile, Ireland’s teams will be based in Dublin and Belfast, while the other teams are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The European T20 Premier League follows the structure of other franchise-based competitions, including a player draft, but it is the first multi-nation event of its kind in Europe.
However, the organizers have not yet announced the formats for the European T20 Premier League. Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is one of the ETPL’s key promoters and co-owners.
Abhishek Bachchan stated: “I am incredibly excited to be a part of the European T20 Premier League. This league represents a fantastic opportunity to grow the game of cricket in Europe, fostering local talent and bringing world-class entertainment to fans. I believe the ETPL will not only showcase the best of European cricket but also create a vibrant cultural experience for families and communities.”
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ETPL aims to revolutionize cricket in Europe
Meanwhile, the tournament is also aiming to reach audiences worldwide, with Europe, India, Australia, and England, being some of the key markets. On the other hand, a temporary group, including cricket board representatives and Rules Sport Tech, is leading the ETPL’s development. They handle key decisions and set up the team to manage the tournament.
Currently, the arrangements are going in full swing for the world’s biggest T20 league, the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India. The upcoming IPL 2025 is all set to get underway on March 22 with the KKR taking on RCB in the tournament opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
