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Actor and sports entrepreneur Abhishek Bachchan was greeted with overwhelming enthusiasm in Dublin, Ireland, as he promoted the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The ICC-sanctioned T20 franchise league is set to revolutionize cricket’s presence in Europe, forging a unique collaboration between Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands while attracting top-tier talent from around the world.
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ETPL: A New Era in European Cricket
Scheduled to take place from July 15 to August 3, 2025, the ETPL will debut in Dublin and Rotterdam, featuring world-class players and solidifying its place on the global T20 calendar. The league aims to unite European cricketing nations while expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional strongholds.
As part of his promotional tour, Bachchan immersed himself in Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, where he received tremendous support from fans and the Indian diaspora. He also visited the Indian Embassy in Dublin, where he was welcomed by Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra, further strengthening ties between India and Ireland through cricket.
Warm Welcome from Cricket Ireland and Local Authorities
Abhishek Bachchan, along with his ETPL co-owners Priyanka Kaul and Saurav Banerjee, was honored with a traditional shamrock presentation by Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom and Irish cricket legend Kevin O’Brien. This symbolic gesture highlighted ETPL’s commitment to cultural and sporting exchange on a global level.
Kevin O’Brien’s presence further emphasized the league’s strong connection to Ireland’s cricketing heritage and its potential impact on the region.
Abhishek Bachchan on ETPL’s Vision
Expressing his excitement, Abhishek Bachchan shared:
“Visiting Dublin has been an incredibly humbling experience. The warmth and hospitality here have been truly overwhelming, and I look forward to returning often. The European T20 Premier League has created a special bond between me and Ireland, one that I will always cherish.
This league is not just another tournament—it’s a catalyst for change in world cricket. As the sport continues to grow beyond its traditional boundaries, ETPL will serve as a vibrant global stage that unites players, fans, and cultures. This isn’t just about celebrating talent; it’s about igniting a movement that will leave an indelible mark on cricket worldwide.”
Support from the Indian Embassy
Indian Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra also expressed his support, stating:
“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome renowned Indian film personality Mr. Abhishek Bachchan and his partners, Ms. Priyanka Kaul and Mr. Saurav Banerjee, at the Embassy. The European T20 Premier League initiative is particularly timely as the Indian-origin diaspora in Ireland, estimated at around 100,000, has reached a critical mass to sustain and promote cricket at a local level.
With strong backing from Cricket Ireland, this initiative will play a significant role in expanding the sport in Irish counties. We extend our best wishes for the success of this visionary project.”
ETPL’s Impact on Global Cricket
ETPL co-owner Saurav Banerjee emphasized the league’s potential, stating:
“With the support of three national cricket boards, ETPL is set to transform global cricket. As one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, cricket is expanding into new markets, and ETPL represents a key step in that evolution.
The tournament will feature top international cricketers alongside European stars, sparking interest across the continent and beyond. This is a game-changing initiative that will elevate the sport in Europe and introduce a fresh chapter in T20 cricket.”
A Game-Changer for European Cricket
With Abhishek Bachchan at the forefront, ETPL is poised to become a landmark tournament in global franchise cricket. Backed by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, the league is set to redefine cricket’s footprint in Europe, paving the way for a new era of competitive T20 action.
As the countdown to ETPL 2025 begins, excitement is building for a tournament that promises to merge talent, passion, and global appeal, bringing the thrill of franchise T20 cricket to Europe like never before.
