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European T20 Premier League Postponed to 2026: Organisers Aim for Long-Term Success
A Promising Cricket Venture Delayed for Strategic Reasons
The much-anticipated European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which was set to debut in July 2025, has officially been postponed to 2026. Organisers, including Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and Cricket Netherlands, confirmed the delay following “extensive consultations” with stakeholders from the realms of sport, business, and media.
The ETPL was initially slated to run from July 15 to August 3, 2025, across six prominent European cities. However, strategic challenges and logistical considerations have led the organising committee to shift the launch by a year.
Why the Postponement? Stakeholder Feedback and Long-Term Vision
Delaying for Stability and Success
A statement from the ETPL management explained that while the 2025 window was viable, detailed discussions with potential franchise owners, sponsors, broadcasters, and governing bodies indicated that 2026 would provide a more favourable environment for the league’s successful launch.
“The 2026 window gives ETPL the best chance to succeed,” said the official release.
Reports suggest one major hurdle is the current involvement of franchise aspirants in England’s The Hundred, a short-format competition that overlaps with the ETPL timeline. Additionally, aligning international broadcasting and sponsorship strategies requires more time and planning.
The Vision Behind ETPL: A New Era for European Cricket
Major Cities, Bollywood Backing, and ICC Approval
The ETPL plans to feature teams from Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. These cities represent not only cricket-loving regions but also untapped markets for the global expansion of the sport.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the project is the involvement of Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is actively promoting the league. Backing the ETPL financially is a Delhi-based Indian firm, while the league has also received official sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC), adding credibility to its international aspirations.
Organisers’ Statement: “Building a League to Last”
Warren Deutrom Highlights Sustainability and Professionalism
Warren Deutrom, Chair of ETPL and also CEO of Cricket Ireland, underlined the league’s focus on long-term sustainability:
“We’re building for the long term. With the right partners, capital and support across the board, 2026 gives us the ideal runway to launch a league that is professional, competitive and built to last,” he said.
With support from Rules Sport Tech and the full cooperation of the national cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, the ETPL is designed to be a formidable new chapter in the evolution of T20 cricket.
What This Means for European Cricket
This delay may be disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting high-octane T20 action in Europe, but experts believe it’s a wise and calculated move. By pushing the timeline, organisers are ensuring the league avoids early-stage pitfalls and builds a strong foundation for years to come.
Explore how other global T20 leagues like the SA20 and ILT20 are evolving.
Looking Ahead: ETPL 2026 Launch and Beyond
The ETPL’s revised 2026 launch now becomes a highly anticipated event in the global cricket calendar. With backing from three national boards, corporate sponsors, and entertainment personalities, the league is positioning itself to be a breakthrough moment for European franchise cricket.
Stay tuned for more updates as the schedule, teams, and player drafts are finalized.
ESPNcricinfo – Global T20 Franchise Cricket Coverage.
