Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, a co-founder of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), has lauded cricket’s entry into the Olympic Games as a positive development that will connect the Indian subcontinent with the global sporting event. The return of cricket to the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028 after 128 years has been welcomed by Abhishek, who sees it as a unifying force that will enhance engagement with the Olympics, especially in South Asia. Abhishek, who leads the ETPL, expressed excitement over this move, emphasizing cricket’s ability to bring people together and its significance for the Olympics.
Abhishek Bachchan, known for his involvement in the ETPL, highlighted the significance of cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics, emphasizing the potential for the sport to reach a wider audience, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. The ETPL, a franchise-based tournament in collaboration with Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, recently introduced its sixth franchise, Dublin Gladiators, owned by former Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid. The league now boasts a complete lineup of six city-based franchises, creating a buzz of anticipation among fans and stakeholders.
Reflecting on the league’s progress and the enthusiastic response it has garnered, Abhishek shared his optimism about the future of the ETPL, noting the positive reception of the newly announced Dublin Guardians team owned by Rahul Dravid. Abhishek praised Dravid’s focus on the technical aspects of the game rather than solely on business considerations, highlighting the former cricketer’s commitment to enhancing the quality of cricket within the league. The actor expressed his satisfaction with Dravid’s involvement, citing the shared vision for prioritizing cricket excellence.
Abhishek Bachchan addressed the issue of Indian player participation in the league, clarifying that due to BCCI regulations, active Indian players under contract cannot compete outside the IPL. Despite this limitation, the ETPL has attracted a host of international cricket stars who have committed to participating in the tournament, ensuring a showcase of top-tier talent. Abhishek acknowledged the absence of Indian players in the ETPL while underscoring the league’s appeal to a diverse range of high-caliber international players, promising an exciting display of cricket talent.
