Will the ICC-sanctioned European T20 Premier League Be Delayed Until 2026?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The future of the European T20 Premier League hangs in the balance as reports suggest it will be postponed until 2026. With co-owner Abhishek Bachchan at the helm, attention is now shifting to The Hundred. What does this mean for cricket fans and the tournament's long-term vision?
Key Takeaways
- The European T20 Premier League is postponed until 2026.
- Co-owner Abhishek Bachchan is involved in the league's development.
- Focus is shifting towards The Hundred, affecting franchise ownership.
- The ICC has sanctioned the ETPL as an official tournament.
- Key stakeholders are expected to make important decisions soon.
New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), co-owned by Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan, is set to be postponed until 2026, as three potential franchise owners are redirecting their efforts towards finalizing investments in The Hundred.
Earlier this year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially approved this new annual T20 franchise competition, which represents a distinctive collaboration among the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. The tournament was originally scheduled from July 15 to August 3.
Among the six franchises, the owners of three teams are currently securing stakes in The Hundred. In April, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) extended the deadline for finalizing sales of the Hundred franchises, which likely contributed to the decision to delay the ETPL.
A report from the BBC cites multiple sources claiming that "the event will not take place this year." It's understood that the agreements for at least three of the six city-based franchises are nearing completion, with hopes that the remaining three would soon follow after.
The report also notes that the potential ETPL franchise owners, who are prioritizing investments in The Hundred, are responsible for the postponement of the ETPL, with an official announcement about the rescheduling expected within the next 48 hours.
The league's development is guided by an interim working group composed of representatives from the involved cricket boards, alongside strategic partner Rules Sport Tech, acting on behalf of the financial partners.
This group is charged with directing essential decision-making processes and overseeing the foundation and staffing of a dedicated administrative body to manage the tournament.
Point of View
The postponement of the ETPL until 2026 reflects the ongoing adjustments within the cricketing landscape. As the ECB focuses on stabilizing The Hundred, it is crucial for stakeholders to maintain transparency and ensure that the vision for a European T20 league remains intact, benefiting cricket enthusiasts across the region.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the European T20 Premier League being postponed?
The ETPL is reportedly being postponed due to three potential franchise owners prioritizing deals in The Hundred.
What is the new timeline for the ETPL?
The European T20 Premier League is now slated to be postponed until 2026.
Who co-owns the ETPL?
The European T20 Premier League is co-owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan.
What is the role of the ICC in the ETPL?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally sanctioned the ETPL, allowing it to operate as an annual T20 franchise tournament.
What are the implications of this postponement?
The postponement may impact investment and development opportunities within European cricket, as stakeholders reassess their focus.
