![Steve Waugh invests in European T20 Premier League [Image Credits: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768965321306_SteveWaughinvestsinEuropeanT20PremierLeague.jpg?type=hq)
Steve Waugh invests in European T20 Premier League [Image Credits: X]
The six-team European T20 Premier League is set to come into play, with the tournament ready to launch later this year. Originally planned for execution in 2025, the league was postponed due to incomplete franchise sales among the participating teams.
However, agreements have now been finalised for three franchises in the European T20 Premier League, involving two separate investor groups from Australia and one from New Zealand.
Steve Waugh buys stakes in European T20 Premier League
One of the Australian investor groups is led by former Australian captain Steve Waugh, who is backing the Amsterdam Flames. Notably, the Flames have already signed Australia stars Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh as two of their overseas players.
Following the inclusion of these star players in the league, Waugh said he was fascinated by the opportunity to promote a continental cricket league in Europe. Speaking to BBC Sport, Waugh stated that he is well aware of the standard of the league and is confident that the players participating will be highly committed.
"I'm not signing up to a Mickey Mouse T20 competition. This is the real deal. I wouldn't be lending my name to it, or bringing my knowledge, if it wasn't. The players we've spoken to are very keen to play in this league," Waugh said.
European T20 Premier League budget and franchises
According to a report by the BBC, the franchises in the European T20 Premier League were sold for £11.1 million, or approximately $15 million, over a 10-year period.
Teams in the league will operate with a total salary budget of around £1.5 million per season, with the inaugural tournament scheduled to begin on August 26.
The league will be a collaborative effort across the continent, jointly run by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
Importantly, the tournament has also received sanctioning from the International Cricket Council, which views the league as a key platform for the broader development of cricket in Europe.
Notably, Glenn Maxwell and his brother Daniel Maxwell are among the investors in the Belfast-based franchise, which is set to be named the Irish Wolves.
The Edinburgh franchise, reportedly to be called the Castle Rockers, has been sold to a New Zealand-based consortium backed by former New Zealand players Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum.
The remaining franchise deals, which include teams based in Dublin, Glasgow, and Rotterdam, are expected to be completed by the end of February.
Indian companies to step in?
Two of these unsold franchises are likely to be purchased by Indian companies, with sources indicating that at least one Indian Premier League franchise is keen to expand its global footprint.
Among Indian investors, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is also a part-owner of the ETPL in partnership with Rujh Sports Tech, a private Indian company, and has expressed excitement about the league’s launch.
How likely it is for English players to participate in ETPL?
The tournament is scheduled to take place in August and is therefore likely to clash with England’s Test series against Pakistan, effectively ruling out most multi-format England players such as Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, and Jofra Archer.
However, with The Hundred running from late July to mid-August, England players holding white-ball contracts could still be available to participate in the European T20 Premier League.
Notably, any centrally contracted England player wishing to feature in the league would require a No Objection Certificate from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
