Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid has been named co-owner of the Dublin Guardians, the final franchise added to the European T20 Premier League (ETPL).
Dravid is part of an Indian consortium that acquired the team, which will be based in Ireland’s capital. The 53-year-old, who represented India in 164 Tests and 344 ODIs and served as head coach from 2021 to 2024, is considered a significant boost for the league’s credibility.
“It’s absolutely brilliant to be involved. When I first heard about this, it was really exciting,” Dravid said. “I’ve always loved the passion and energy of cricket in Europe. The players play the game with such commitment.
“I’ve seen the energy at the grassroots level, and the T20 World Cup has also showcased the talent available. That’s something we can grow and build upon. It would be a dream to see that talent shine on the world stage.”
Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from Test cricket in December 2024 and left the Indian Premier League last summer, will captain the Guardians.
The ETPL is run in partnership with the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. The six teams are based in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Bollywood actor and producer Abhishek Bachchan is a co-owner of the league through Rules Sport Tech, an Indian private company.
Franchises were sold for £11.1 million ($15 million) over a ten-year period. The inaugural tournament is scheduled from 26 August to 20 September, with matches held in The Hague and Dublin.
Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice called it a “landmark day for European cricket,” noting that “the best from world cricket” are backing the franchises. “It’s going to make a huge impact across Europe,” he added. “I am excited by the calibre of people supporting the teams. It’s all about visibility and development of the game in a region where it can grow.”
