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<p data-start="92" data-end="446"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), co-owned by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, has been postponed and will now officially launch in 2026. Initially scheduled from July 15 to August 3, 2025, the ICC-sanctioned tournament aims to elevate European cricket through a joint venture between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.</span></p>
<p data-start="448" data-end="789"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The decision to delay the launch was made after in-depth consultations with stakeholders in cricket, business, and media. According to Cricket Ireland, while the 2025 window laid the foundation, feedback from potential franchise owners, broadcasters, and sponsors revealed that a 2026 launch would provide a stronger, more sustainable start.</span></p>
<p data-start="791" data-end="960"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Three franchise aspirants&mdash;reportedly also involved in acquiring stakes in The Hundred&mdash;have shifted their priorities, contributing to the decision to reschedule the ETPL.</span></p>
<p data-start="962" data-end="1330"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">&ldquo;We&rsquo;re building for the long term. With the right partners, capital, and support, 2026 gives us the best runway to create a professional, competitive, and lasting league,&rdquo; said Warren Deutrom, Chair of ETPL. Backed by Rules Sports Tech and the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, ETPL is poised to become a formidable new force in global cricket.</span></p>
<p data-start="1332" data-end="1541" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saurav Banerjee, co-owner of ETPL, added, &ldquo;Our goal has always been to build it right with the right people. The rising interest from investors, broadcasters, and franchises signals we are on the right track.&rdquo;</span></p>
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<div class="flex items-center justify-center"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.</span></div>
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ETPL launch delayed for stronger 2026 debut with wider stakeholder support

European T20 League Postponed to 2026

ETPL launch delayed for stronger 2026 debut with wider stakeholder support

June 6, 2025 | 17:13 IST