Virat Kohli receives invitation from Abhishek Bachchan for T20 League: Here’s everything about the ETPL

Abhishek Bachchan has officially raised the stakes in the global sports business by launching the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), a high-octane franchise tournament designed to conquer cricket’s ‘final frontier.’ Unveiled in Sydney on January 21, 2026, against the iconic backdrop of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the league represents a bold $20 million venture to bring professional T20 euphoria to mainland Europe. With Bachchan junior at the helm as co-founder alongside sports veterans like Steve Waugh and others like Dhiraj Malhotra and Saurav Banerjee, the ETPL is already generating massive global buzz, not just for its legendary owners, but for a viral ‘invitation’ to the biggest icon in the game.

Legends. Leaders. Global experience. The Amsterdam franchise will be owned by Australian cricket legend and World Cup winning captain Steve Waugh, alongside Olympic gold medallist and Hockey legend, Jamie Dwyer, and business leader Tim Thomas.

— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial)

Abhishek Bachchan extends an invitation to Virat Kohli for the T20 League: Full details on the ETPL

During the grand launch, Bachchan was asked about the potential for Indian superstars to join the league despite the current BCCI restrictions that prevent active Indian players from appearing in overseas T20 tournaments. Bachchan made no secret of his long-term ambition, specifically naming Virat Kohli as the ultimate figure he would love to see representing an ETPL franchise.

While acknowledging that active Indian players are currently unavailable, he framed the league as a world-class destination that would eventually be impossible for the world’s best to ignore. Bachchan emphasized that with cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the rapid rise of teams like Italy, the landscape of the sport is shifting, and he hopes the ETPL will be ready to host the global magic of players like Kohli when the ‘doors eventually open.’

‘To have someone like Virat Kohli in the ETPL would be incredible. Right now it’s not possible, but never say never. You always want the best players in your league, and we are building an ecosystem in Europe that will eventually attract the global magic of players like Virat. One of my wants when I get involved in sport is: can I help? Can I help improve the infrastructure, the ecosystem, or just make a difference? Europe is where that impact is possible.” Abhishek Bachchan said.

The European T20 Premier League franchises: A meeting of legends

The ETPL is an ICC-sanctioned, multi-country league featuring six city-based teams across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. The ownership lineup unveiled in Sydney reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of sporting history, moving beyond mere celebrity endorsements to genuine athlete-investors. The remaining three franchises are expected to be based in Dublin, Rotterdam, and Glasgow, with intense speculation that Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), the power behind the Mumbai Indians—is in active discussions to acquire one of the final slots.

Team Details

Amsterdam: Steve Waugh, Jamie Dwyer & Tim Thomas
Edinburgh: Nathan McCullum & Kyle Mills
Belfast: Glenn Maxwell & Rohan Lund

— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial)

Also READ: From Dewald Brevis to Jos Buttler: Complete list of direct signings and retained players for The Hundred Men’s 2026

The players in European T20 Premier League: Marquee stars and the 7+4 rule

To ensure the league is both elite and developmental, the ETPL has established a unique ‘7+4’ squad rule where every playing XI must feature seven local European players and four international marquee stars. Major international commitments have already been secured, with Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and power-hitter Tim David signed on as headline stars for the inaugural season. Steve Waugh noted that the presence of someone like Steve Smith—who is currently in peak T20 form—will set the professional standard for the local players to follow.

Player Details

"The Big Show" is here, signs!

— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial)

Captain Mitchell Marsh signs for Amsterdam Flames.

— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial)

Blackcaps skipper Mithcell Santner signs for the Edinburgh franchise ✍️

— European T20 Premier League (ETPL) (@etplofficial)

European T20 Premier League: Schedule, funding and the business road map

The inaugural season of the ETPL is scheduled to run from August 26 to September 20, 2026, consisting of 34 high-production matches. As per the Economic Times report, Operating under a centralized revenue model, the ETPL aims for all franchises to reach a break-even position within three to four years, distributing roughly 80% of the common pool to the teams in the early seasons. By targeting the world’s second-largest cricket market by membership, Europe, Bachchan and his partners are betting on a region that is currently under-commercialized but ready for a professional cricket revolution.

Key Business Metrics

Also READ: From Smriti Mandhana to Sophie Ecclestone: Complete list of direct signings and retained players for The Hundred Women’s 2026