Abhishek Bachchan's Vision for the European T20 Premier League

Abhishek Bachchan, co-founder of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), shares his passion for sports, inspired by his father, Amitabh Bachchan. As a prominent sports entrepreneur, he aims to establish ETPL as a premier cricket tournament in Europe, featuring international stars and attracting emerging talent. The inaugural edition is set for August 26 to September 20, 2026, with a focus on delivering high-quality cricket. Learn more about his vision and the league's potential impact on the cricketing landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 20:03 IST

Abhishek Bachchan's Sports Passion

Abhishek Bachchan, a co-founder and co-owner of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), attributes his enthusiasm for sports to his father, Amitabh Bachchan. He recalls developing this passion during his childhood while watching various sporting events alongside his father.

A Multifaceted Sports Entrepreneur

In addition to his successful career in Bollywood, Abhishek has made a name for himself as a sports entrepreneur in India. He holds ownership stakes in multiple sports, including kabaddi and football, and is the owner of the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League and co-owner of Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, alongside former Indian captain MS Dhoni.

Abhishek is frequently seen supporting his teams at kabaddi matches and Chennaiyin FC games, as well as attending Indian cricket matches, showcasing his deep-rooted love for sports.

Inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan

In a recent interview, Abhishek shared how his father played a crucial role in nurturing his love for sports. He stated, "My father is a huge sports enthusiast. Spending my childhood with him, watching various sports and learning from him is where my passion for sports began."

The Ambitious ETPL

The ETPL is a newly established franchise-based cricket tournament, and Abhishek has expressed his ambition to make it a premier cricketing event in Europe. He envisions the league showcasing top international talent and delivering high-quality, entertaining cricket, aiming to become a highly anticipated event on the cricket calendar in the coming years.

"The goal is to create a world-class cricket tournament in Europe that offers great entertainment and cricket. In three to five years, I hope it will still be around and one of the most awaited events on the cricket calendar," he remarked.

Official Recognition and Star Power

Supported by Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB), the ETPL has received official sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC), marking it as one of the first major ICC-approved franchise T20 leagues in Europe.

The league is set to feature international stars such as Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, and Glenn Maxwell, providing a unique platform for emerging players from Europe and other Associate Nations to compete alongside cricketing legends.

Inaugural Edition and Scheduling

The first edition of the ETPL is scheduled to take place from August 26 to September 20, 2026.

Abhishek explained the rationale behind selecting the August-September window, stating that it would help the league secure a dedicated time slot, minimizing clashes with other cricketing events. He expressed gratitude to the ICC for allocating this window, which will attract top cricketing talent globally.