Rahul Dravid named owner of ETPL's Dublin Guardians in 2026

Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid becomes owner of Dublin Guardians in Europe's first multi-country T20 league launched with Cricket Ireland and partners.

ETPL league introduction The European T20 Premier League, created through partnerships with Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, brings together franchises from six cities across Europe. Teams represent Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam in a competition that holds official sanctioning from the International Cricket Council. Described as Europe's first ICC-recognized franchise T20 league, it marks a bold step forward for cricket development across the continent. ## Dravid's ownership announcement Indian cricket icon Rahul Dravid has been announced as the new owner of the Dublin Guardians franchise in the European T20 Premier League. In an official statement, Dravid explained his decision by highlighting the league's ambitious vision to expand cricket's reach in Europe through stronger foundations at the grassroots level. He emphasized creating opportunities for young players across Ireland and Europe as a key motivation behind his involvement. Dravid also pointed to Dublin's existing cricket community and its significant growth potential as reasons for his commitment to the project. ## Dravid on cricket development Speaking about his ambitions for the league, Dravid stressed that nurturing emerging talent has always been a priority for him. He believes the European T20 Premier League can make a valuable contribution to this mission by providing pathways for talent to develop and thrive. According to his statement, the league's success will depend not only on the standard of cricket but also on fostering a vibrant fan culture and memorable match-day experiences. Dravid argued that delivering an exceptional overall experience at venues is essential to attract and retain audiences in a competitive sporting landscape. ## Franchise owners and players The European T20 Premier League features multiple franchises co-owned by prominent former and current international cricketers alongside Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan. Among the notable owners are Glenn Maxwell, who co-owns the Irish Wolves, while Steve Waugh holds a stake in the Amsterdam Flames. Other teams include Edinburgh Castle Rockers co-owned by Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills, Glasgow Cosmic with Chris Gayle as co-owner, and Rotterdam Dockers featuring Faf du Plessis, Jonty Rhodes, and Heinrich Klaasen as co-proprietors. The league's ownership group also includes active players who will take the field in the competition. ## Star players set to compete Several high-profile cricketers will participate in the league, including du Plessis and Maxwell, who will combine ownership roles with playing duties. They will be joined by a lineup of international stars such as Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, and Liam Livingstone. Dravid expressed excitement about the opportunity for these players to compete alongside local Irish, Scottish, Dutch, and European cricketers. He highlighted the potential for such collaborations to create compelling matchups and elevate the standard of play in the league. ## Dravid's vision for growth In discussing the league's future, Dravid emphasized the importance of building strong connections with fans and delivering exceptional match-day experiences. He noted that creating awareness about the sport at the grassroots level is crucial to developing a loyal following. According to Dravid, the league must offer top-tier cricket while ensuring every aspect of the fan experience meets the highest standards. He acknowledged the challenge of competing with well-established sports for attention and resources, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to growth and engagement.