Cricket icon Chris Gayle joins Glasgow Mugafians as co-owner ahead of the inaugural European T20 Premier League starting August 26.
West Indies cricket icon Chris Gayle has been named co-owner of a new Glasgow-based team in the upcoming European T20 Premier League. The franchise, called the Glasgow Mugafians, is a collaboration between Gayle and India’s Mugafi Group.
Originally, a group led by Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin was set to take charge of the Glasgow squad, but their focus will now be on the Dublin team instead.
At 46, Gayle brings unmatched experience, having played 103 Tests, 301 ODIs, and 79 T20 internationals for West Indies between 1999 and 2021.
The legendary all-rounder expressed excitement about his new role, calling it a thrilling new chapter.
He highlighted Europe as cricket’s untapped frontier, believing the ETPL could help discover and develop local talent to grow the sport in the region.
The European T20 Premier League will feature six franchises across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Teams will represent Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
The league is a joint venture between the cricket boards of these three nations, with support from Indian stakeholders Abhishek Bachchan and Rules Sport Tech.
Each franchise was acquired for £11.1 million, locked in over a decade-long deal.
The tournament’s first edition will run from August 26 to September 20, aiming to boost cricket’s presence in Europe.
The league’s structure and financial backing suggest a bold attempt to expand the sport beyond traditional markets.
Fans can expect an exciting debut season with high-profile ownership and a strong focus on nurturing emerging talent.
The ETPL’s launch could mark a turning point for cricket in Europe, offering fresh opportunities for players and investors alike.