The European T20 Premier League (ETPL), slated for the launch this year, has been postponed. The organisers have said it will kick off next year. "The decision comes after extensive consultation with key stakeholders across cricket, business and media," a statement by ETPL said.
July15-August 3 was the window announced for the six-team league with Cricket Ireland, Cricket Netherlands and Cricket Scotland as organisers.
"The initial 2025 window envisioned for the tournament provided a solid base, but conversations with franchise aspirants, broadcasters, sponsors, and governing bodies made it clear: 2026 gives ETPL the tournament the best chance to succeed," the statement further said.
According to reports, potential owners of the league are busy in The Hundred. Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam and Rotterdam were the designated venues for the ETPL which was being promoted by Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan. The project was being backed by a Delhi-based Indian company. The league was also sanctioned by the International Cricket council (ICC).
Warren Deutrom, Chair of ETPL, said: "We're building for the long term. With the right partners, capital and support across the board, 2026 gives us the ideal runway to launch a league that is professional, competitive and built to last. With the backing of Rules Sport Tech and the national boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, the ETPL is shaping up to be a powerful new force in global cricket."