Dravid and Ashwin Invest in Glasgow Franchise for European T20 Premier League
Two iconic figures from Indian cricket, Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin, have joined the list of investors entering the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The pair are reportedly part of an Indian investment group that has finalized a deal to purchase the Glasgow-based franchise in the upcoming six-team tournament scheduled for later this summer.
The ETPL is a newly established cricket competition aiming to expand the sport’s popularity across Europe. With major cricket personalities and international investors involved, the league is quickly gaining global attention even before its inaugural season begins.
According to reports, the ownership group involving Dravid and Ashwin has secured rights to operate the franchise representing Glasgow. The official announcement confirming the acquisition is expected to be made during a formal event later this month.
For more cricket updates and international league news, visit https://netsports247.com
More Franchises Being Sold Across Europe
Alongside the Glasgow franchise deal, another significant development involves the Netherlands-based franchise in Rotterdam. This team is expected to be purchased by a South African investor group that includes several former stars of the South Africa national cricket team.
Among the prominent names involved are Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, and legendary fielding icon Jonty Rhodes. Their participation further highlights the growing international interest in the league.
Earlier this year, franchises representing Amsterdam, Belfast, and Edinburgh were also sold to investors from Australia and New Zealand.
The only franchise that has not yet been sold is the one based in Dublin. However, sources suggest that several potential investors have already expressed interest in acquiring the team. Some of those interested are believed to be owners of teams in The Hundred, the innovative cricket competition in England.
Could Ashwin Play in the New League?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ashwin’s involvement in the ETPL is the possibility that he could also participate as a player.
The experienced all-rounder stepped away from international cricket in December 2024, ending a remarkable career with the India national cricket team. He also retired from the Indian Premier League last year.
After stepping away from these competitions, Ashwin indicated that he wanted to explore opportunities in global franchise cricket leagues. His participation in the ETPL would certainly be a major attraction for fans and a huge boost for the tournament’s profile.
Before this opportunity, Ashwin had been close to becoming the first Indian international cricketer to participate in the Big Bash League in Australia. He had agreed to join Sydney Thunder for the competition.
Unfortunately, the plan was disrupted when Ashwin suffered a knee injury while training in Chennai last December. The injury required surgery, and he has been undergoing rehabilitation since then.
Throughout his career, Ashwin represented India in 106 Test matches, 116 One Day Internationals, and 65 T20 Internationals. During that time, he accumulated an impressive total of 765 international wickets, cementing his place among the game’s greatest spin bowlers.
Dravid’s Historic Connection with Scottish Cricket
While Ashwin’s involvement is fascinating, Rahul Dravid’s connection with the Glasgow franchise also carries historical significance.
Before becoming one of India’s greatest batters and later a respected coach, Dravid spent a season playing for Scotland national cricket team as an overseas professional in 2003.
At that time, Scotland participated in limited-overs competitions within English county cricket. During his stint, Dravid played 11 matches in the National Cricket League and delivered outstanding performances.
He scored 600 runs, including three centuries, showcasing the exceptional batting skill that later defined his international career.
More recently, Dravid served as the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team between 2021 and 2024. Under his guidance, India experienced a strong period of development and success across formats.
As a player, Dravid represented India in 164 Test matches and 344 One Day Internationals, accumulating nearly 25,000 runs across formats and scoring 48 centuries. His involvement in the ETPL adds credibility and prestige to the emerging league.
Background of the European T20 Premier League
The European T20 Premier League has been created through a collaboration between the cricket boards of Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and Royal Dutch Cricket Association.
The tournament is designed to promote professional cricket in European regions where the sport is still developing. By attracting international players, investors, and global audiences, the league hopes to significantly boost cricket’s popularity across the continent.
Bollywood actor and film producer Abhishek Bachchan is also involved as a part-owner of the league through a partnership with Rules Sport Tech, a private sports technology company based in India.
Reports indicate that the league’s franchises were sold for approximately £11.1 million (around $15 million) for a ten-year period. Each team will operate with an annual salary budget of roughly £1.1 million ($1.5 million).
Tournament Schedule and Player Availability
The inaugural season of the ETPL is scheduled to take place between 26 August and 20 September.
However, the timing of the tournament overlaps with England’s Test series against Pakistan. Because of this scheduling conflict, several prominent multi-format players such as Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, and Jofra Archer may not be available for participation.
Despite this challenge, the league could still attract players who specialize in limited-overs cricket. Since the 2026 edition of The Hundred will conclude in mid-August, many white-ball players could potentially join ETPL teams afterward.
England is scheduled to begin a T20 international series against Sri Lanka national cricket team on 15 September, which may affect player availability toward the end of the tournament.
Any centrally contracted England player wishing to participate in the ETPL would require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Players who hold county contracts focused solely on white-ball formats would likely be allowed to participate if their schedules do not clash with existing domestic tournaments such as the T20 Blast.
A New Chapter for European Cricket
The European T20 Premier League represents an ambitious effort to establish a high-profile professional cricket competition in Europe. With legendary players like Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin joining as investors, the tournament is gaining credibility and international appeal.
If successful, the league could open new opportunities for players from emerging cricket nations and help strengthen the sport’s presence across the continent.
For the latest cricket news, league updates, and sports coverage, visit https://netsports247.com
