Rahul Dravid named co-owner of Dublin T20 team in European league 2026

Indian cricket icon Rahul Dravid becomes co-owner of Dublin’s European T20 Premier League franchise named the Dublin Guardians.

Dravid joins European T20 venture Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid has been named as the co-owner of the Dublin-based franchise for the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The team, part of an Indian consortium, will be called the Dublin Guardians and will feature former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as captain. Dravid, who previously led India to T20 World Cup victory in 2024, brings significant credibility to the league’s leadership. The announcement highlights the league’s ambition to attract top cricketing talent and expand the sport’s presence across Europe. ## Dravid’s vision for European cricket Dravid expressed excitement about joining the project, stating his enthusiasm for Europe’s cricketing passion. He highlighted the energy among players at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition, including the impact of the T20 World Cup in showcasing talent. Dravid emphasized the potential for growth and the opportunity to elevate European cricket on the global stage. His vision includes nurturing local talent to compete internationally and building a sustainable league structure in the region. ## League structure and team details The ETPL will feature six franchises, with teams based in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Each team will play matches across these cities, with the inaugural tournament scheduled from 26 August to 20 September. The first edition will include games in Rotterdam and Dublin. The franchises were sold for £11.1m ($15m) each over a 10-year period, reflecting strong investor confidence in the league’s future. ## Ownership and leadership group The league’s ownership includes Bollywood actor and producer Abhishek Bachchan as a part-owner, alongside Rules Sport Tech, a private Indian company. The consortium backing the Dublin Guardians includes Dravid, who will play a key role in shaping the team’s strategy and development. The collective ownership group brings diverse expertise from sports, entertainment, and business sectors to drive the league’s growth. ## Stakeholder reactions and future outlook Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice described the announcement as a landmark moment for European cricket, praising the involvement of world-class figures in backing the franchises. He noted the league’s potential to make a substantial impact across Europe by enhancing visibility and fostering development. The leadership team’s calibre is seen as a catalyst for raising the standard of cricket in the region. The focus remains on expanding the game’s reach and creating opportunities for emerging players.