Rahul Dravid Takes on New Role as Co-Owner of Dublin Guardians in ETPL
Rahul Dravid's New Venture in Cricket
Rahul Dravid, known for his multifaceted contributions to cricket as a player, coach, and captain, is now stepping into the role of co-owner for the Dublin franchise in the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL). This league is set to launch later this year, and the team will be known as the Dublin Guardians. Dravid will collaborate with fellow cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, who is expected to lead the team during its inaugural season, as reported by BBC Sports.
For context, Ashwin concluded his international career in December 2024 and exited the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. Despite his retirement, he expressed a desire to continue playing in overseas T20 leagues. He had plans to participate in the Big Bash League (BBL) last summer but was sidelined due to a knee injury. The 39-year-old cricketer is also slated to compete in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2026 with the San Francisco Unicorns.
Dravid's Vision for Cricket in Europe
In a statement regarding his new role, Dravid shared his motivation for investing in the team, emphasizing the broader vision of the tournament. He stated, “What drew me to the ETPL was its overarching vision, which aims to enhance cricket in Europe by bolstering grassroots development and creating opportunities for emerging talent across Ireland and Europe. Dublin boasts a vibrant cricket community with significant growth potential. Supporting the next generation has always been a priority for me, and I believe the ETPL can significantly contribute to that mission.”
The ETPL is co-owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and Rules Sport Tech, a private Indian firm. Bachchan remarked on Dravid's involvement, saying, “Having legends like Rahul on board is incredibly meaningful for ETPL. Our goal extends beyond merely establishing a league; we aim to create a platform that inspires and nurtures the next wave of talent from Irish and European cricket. The collaboration of icons such as Steve Waugh, Glenn Maxwell, Jonty Rhodes, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, alongside Rahul Dravid, underscores the belief in ETPL's vision and highlights Europe's vast potential as a burgeoning hub for cricket.”