European T20 Premier League set to be Launched : Know the Details

The European T20 Premier League will officially begin in 2026 as the board has approved the tournament after full support from all members. This move comes after many months of talks with cricket leaders, business partners, and media groups.
The European T20 Premier League was first planned for 2025. But later discussions showed that 2026 would be a better year. Talks with franchise owners, broadcasters, sponsors, and national boards helped shape this decision. Everyone agreed that starting in 2026 would give the league a stronger start and better future.

European T20 Premier League

Warren Deutrom, Chair of the ETPL, explained the thinking behind the delay. He said, “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 also praised the support of the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. “With their backing and the involvement of Rules Sport Tech, the ETPL is shaping up to be a powerful new force in global cricket,” he added.
Saurav Banerjee, Co-owner of the ETPL, shared similar thoughts. He said, “Our focus has been clear from the start: build it right, with the right people.” He added that the rising interest from investors, broadcasters, and franchise owners is proof that they are heading in the right direction.
The league has also received official support from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC gave its approval on November 27, 2024. This made the ETPL a fully sanctioned international T20 league.

A Unique Partnership in European Cricket

What makes the European T20 Premier League different is its backing from not just one but three national cricket boards. Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and Cricket Netherlands are all working together. This joint effort is rare and shows how serious they are about growing cricket in Europe.
Most other T20 leagues are run by one country. But the European T20 Premier League is a shared project between three. This makes the ETPL the first of its kind in the cricket world. It also shows the united vision of these boards to raise the level of the game in Europe.
The ETPL also brings a new chance for young players. It will give fresh talent from Europe a big stage to show their skills. The league will have franchise teams. Players will be picked through a draft, just like in other big T20 leagues.
The league will not include teams from England. But it will aim to reach fans across the rest of Europe. Organisers believe this gives the ETPL a large market to grow in. Each new country it reaches will help spread cricket even more.
Cricket in Europe is growing fast. The success of teams like the Netherlands and Scotland in recent ICC events has helped. Now, the ETPL will offer players from these and other countries more chances to play high-level cricket.
ETPL launch is by starting in 2026, they will have more time to prepare. With strong partners, proper planning, and growing interest, the league looks set for a big launch.
The ETPL could become one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world. It promises competitive games, star players, and a major push for cricket in Europe.