The European T20 Premier League (ETPL) is finally ready to begin after a long wait. The organisers have confirmed that the league will launch in late August 2026, and some of the biggest names in world cricket have joined as franchise owners.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh, star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, and former New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Mills are among the headline owners announced so far.
The announcement was made in Sydney, where the league revealed its first three teams and confirmed that the remaining franchises will be announced soon.
What Is the European T20 Premier League (ETPL)?
The European T20 Premier League is an ICC-sanctioned multi-country T20 league backed by the cricket boards of:
- Netherlands (KNCB)
- Ireland (Cricket Ireland)
- Scotland (Cricket Scotland)
The league will feature 6 teams and 34 matches, with games expected to be played across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
🚨 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐃 🚨
— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial) January 20, 2026
The wait is over.
Three franchises. One historic moment.
A new chapter for European cricket begins today!
The ETPL proudly welcomes its first 3 franchises, officially unveiled at an international press conference in Sydney. pic.twitter.com/0Y7Si9dp6E
ETPL Teams Announced So Far
The league has officially confirmed the first three franchises along with their ownership groups.
ETPL Teams & Owners
| Team (City) | Key Owners |
|---|---|
| Amsterdam | Steve Waugh, Jamie Dwyer, Tim Thomas |
| Edinburgh | Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills |
| Belfast (Irish Wolves) | Glenn Maxwell, Rohan Lund |
The remaining three teams will be announced next month.
Abhishek Bachchan on ETPL’s Launch Timeline
League owner Abhishek Bachchan confirmed that the tournament will begin around 26 August 2026 and said the project has been in development for nearly two years.
According to him, the organisers are also working on:
- Finalising the player salary cap
- Confirming broadcast timings
- Completing agreements with all six franchises
Once all teams are on board, the salary cap details will be officially announced.
Why Steve Waugh Joined ETPL
Steve Waugh said he was careful about choosing where to invest in cricket, but the ETPL stood out due to its long-term vision.
He explained that the league is not just about business, but about:
- Preserving the spirit of cricket
- Maintaining high standards
- Helping the game grow in Europe, which he called cricket’s “last great frontier”
For Waugh, ETPL marks a return to cricket in a new and meaningful role.
Glenn Maxwell’s Vision for the Irish Franchise
Glenn Maxwell, who will promote the Belfast-based Irish Wolves, shared his excitement about being part of an Irish team.
He said his focus will be on:
- Building a fun and fearless team culture
- Connecting closely with Irish cricket fans
- Supporting the rapid growth of cricket in Ireland
Maxwell also praised Cricket Ireland for its progress over the past 20 years and believes the ETPL will take that growth to the next level.
ETPL Schedule & Tournament Window
The ETPL will be played during the August–September window. This means:
- Slight overlap with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
- No clash with England’s The Hundred
- No clash with USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC)
This scheduling gives the ETPL a clear space in the global T20 calendar.
Read more: PCB Supports Bangladesh Decision Not to Play T20 World Cup Matches in India
The European T20 Premier League is seen as a game-changer for cricket in Europe because it. After being postponed last year, the league now appears fully ready to deliver on its promise.
With legendary names like Steve Waugh, Glenn Maxwell, and Kyle Mills involved, and strong backing from European cricket boards, the European T20 Premier League is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new T20 leagues in world cricket.
All eyes are now on the announcement of the remaining three teams, player draft details, and broadcast partners as the countdown to August 2026 begins.
