European T20 Premier League Earns Recognition for Player Engagement Standards
ETPL Receives Endorsement from World Cricketers’ Association
The newly launched European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has gained recognition from the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) for establishing a high standard in player engagement and professionalism, according to an official announcement.
Tom Moffat, CEO of WCA, referred to ETPL in the latest Global Leagues Hub Update as an exemplary model of effective collaboration, emphasizing the importance of engaging player representatives early to create clear agreements before the players step onto the field.
The WCA acknowledged ETPL under the 'Positive Progress' category for showcasing best practices through proactive engagement with the WCA, along with the Irish, Dutch, and Scottish Cricketers’ Associations to negotiate player contracts prior to the league's inaugural season.
This recognition serves as an independent validation of the founders' goal to establish a professional cricket league in Europe, where player representation, clear contracts, timely payments, and high professional standards are prioritized from the beginning.
Founders Express Gratitude for WCA Recognition
Abhishek Bachchan, Co-Founder of the European T20 Premier League, expressed that the WCA's acknowledgment is a significant affirmation of their vision. He stated, 'We aimed to create a league that is respected not just for the cricket played but also for the underlying standards and values. Establishing the right foundations is crucial for creating a league that players aspire to join, franchises take pride in, and fans can connect with.'
Dhiraj Malhotra, another Co-Founder, emphasized the importance of fostering an environment conducive to players, stating, 'We wanted players to feel assured that ETPL would uphold the highest professional standards. The WCA's recognition is a proud achievement for our team.'
Saurav Banerjee, also a Co-Founder, highlighted that player representation, clear contracts, timely payments, and professional standards were essential to ETPL's foundation. He noted, 'Good governance involves clear structures, accountability, and consistency, and the WCA's recognition reinforces our commitment to this approach.'
Priyanka Kaul, another Co-Founder, remarked, 'Credibility is built through operational integrity and fulfilling commitments. Establishing this credibility with players, partners, franchises, cricket boards, and fans has been central to our vision. Achieving this benchmark in our first year increases our responsibility to maintain and elevate it.'
Establishing a Foundation of Good Governance
The WCA’s Global Leagues Hub, launched in 2024, offers independent insights into major domestic leagues and evaluates competitions based on criteria deemed essential for professional standards and player welfare by players, associations, and agents.
Warren Deutrom, a Board Director at ETPL, stated, 'For a new league to thrive, good governance must be integral to its foundation. It influences decision-making, defines responsibilities, and ensures accountability. We recognized the necessity of early engagement with players’ associations to center the league around the players' needs. The WCA’s recognition validates our approach and the standards we aim to set for professional cricket in Europe.'
For ETPL, this acknowledgment establishes a crucial benchmark as the league prepares for its future beyond the inaugural season. ETPL plans to continue collaborating closely with players, associations, franchises, and cricket board partners to enhance the professional framework initiated in its first year.