ETPL: Rahul Dravid acquires Dublin Guardians franchise for European T20 tournament

Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid has been announced as the co-owner of the ultimate European T20 Premier League (ETPL) franchise based out of Dublin.

Dravid is part of an Indian consortium that has acquired the team, which will be called Dublin Guardian.

The 53-year-old, who played 164 Tests and 344 one-day internationals for India and coached the national team from 2021 to 2024, is seen as a major coup for the league organisers.

“It’s absolutely brilliant to be involved. When I first heard it was really exciting,” said Dravid.

“I have always loved the passion and energy of cricket in Europe. The passion the players play with.

“I have seen the grassroots passion and the talent shown in the T20 World Cup as well.

“It’s something we can grow and build on. It would be a dream to see talent on the world stage.”

The Guardians will be captained by former Indian spin bowling all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin.

He retired from Test cricket in December 2024 and moved away from the Indian Premier League last summer, making him available to play in the rest of the world’s leagues.

The ETPL is run in collaboration with the Cricket Boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands – with six teams based out of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Bollywood actor and film producer Abhishek Bachchan is a part-owner of the league along with Rules Sport Tech, a private Indian company.

As reported by BBC Sport earlier this year, The franchises were sold for 11.1 million pounds ($15 million) over a 10-year period.

The tournament will be played from August 26 to September 20 and the games will be held in The Hague and Dublin during the first edition.

Cricket Ireland chair Brian McNeice said it was a “landmark day for European cricket” with those supporting the franchises bringing “the best from world cricket”.

“It’s going to have a huge impact across Europe. I’m excited to see the power of those who are supporting the teams.”

“It’s about the visibility and development of the game in an area where it can grow.”