Actor Abhishek Bachchan said that former India cricket captain Rahul Dravid will be the owner of the Dublin franchise in the European T20 Premier League.

The appointment of a high-profile figure like Dravid signals an attempt to bring elite credibility and leadership to a region where cricket is not the primary sport. By leveraging international stars, the league aims to establish a professional footprint in Europe.

Bachchan said the details of the upcoming competition are slated to launch in 2026 [1]. The league intends to grow the game across the continent by focusing on grassroots development, and attracting top international talent [5].

The European T20 Premier League will feature six teams [4]. The Dublin franchise, based in Dublin, Ireland, will be led by Dravid [3].

Bachchan said the league is designed to expand the reach of the sport. The initiative seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem for T20 cricket in European markets, moving beyond occasional international fixtures to a structured league format [5].

As the 2026 [1] launch approaches, the league is expected to focus on recruitment and infrastructure to support the six [4] franchises. The involvement of Bachchan and Dravid connects the league to the massive commercial and sporting influence of the Indian cricket market.

“Rahul Dravid will be the owner of the Dublin franchise”

The entry of Rahul Dravid into the European T20 Premier League suggests a strategic move to bridge the gap between the established cricket markets of Asia and the developing markets of Europe. By appointing a respected tactician and former captain as a franchise owner, the ETPL is prioritizing legitimacy and technical expertise to attract players and sponsors. This reflects a broader global trend of exporting the T20 franchise model to non-traditional regions to diversify the sport's commercial base.