European T20 premier League Delayed Until 2026 as Investors Focus on The Hundred
Cricket enthusiasts across Europe will have to wait longer for the debut of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). Originally slated to begin next month, the tournament has been pushed back to 2026. The reason? Key investors are prioritizing acquisitions of team stakes in The Hundred, England’s innovative cricket league.
The Hundred Takes Center Stage
The decision to postpone the ETPL stems from the strategic choices of three potential franchise owners. These individuals are reportedly deep in negotiations to secure stakes in The Hundred, a competition organized by the England and wales Cricket Board (ECB). In April, the ECB extended the deadline to finalize these sales, creating a ripple effect that has impacted the ETPL’s timeline.
Did you know? The Hundred is an eight-team franchise tournament in England and wales, featuring 100-ball innings. It aims to attract a younger audience to cricket with its fast-paced format.
ETPL: A Vision for European Cricket
The ETPL, partially owned by bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, aimed to feature six city-based franchises from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam were set to host the matches.The tournament promised to elevate local talent, draw global superstars, and ignite a wave of cricketing enthusiasm across Europe.”
The project is a collaborative effort led by Cricket Ireland, in conjunction with Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association.
Franchise Deals and Future Prospects
While deals for at least three of the six ETPL franchises were reportedly close to completion, the allure of The Hundred proved too strong for some investors. The postponement is a setback, but organizers remain optimistic about the ETPL’s future. A formal proclamation confirming the rescheduling is expected within the next 48 hours.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on official announcements from Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association for the latest updates on the ETPL’s rescheduled dates and franchise details.
Bachchan’s Involvement and Rules Sport Tech
Abhishek bachchan’s involvement as part-owner, through Rules Sport Tech, added critically important star power to the ETPL. Rules Sport tech, described as a private Indian company that promote and create high quality sports initiatives, tournaments and events,”
partnered with Bachchan to launch the league in January.Bachchan even traveled to Dublin in March to promote the tournament through media appearances and social media.
A History of Challenges
This isn’t the first time a European T20 franchise tournament involving the Dutch, Irish, and Scottish cricket boards has faced hurdles. In 2019, the Euro T20 Slam was postponed just over a fortnight before the opening game. That tournament, with different backers, never materialized despite announcing team names, holding a draft, and allocating marquee players like Eoin Morgan to franchises.
Organizers are confident that the ETPL will not suffer the same fate, despite the current delay and the fact that no franchises have yet been officially sold.
