Plans to launch the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) this summer have been postponed until 2026, as several potential franchise owners shift their focus to acquiring stakes in The Hundred.

The ETPL — a new six-team city-based tournament supported by Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan — was due to run from 15 July to 3 August 2025. It was set to feature teams from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, with matches scheduled in Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.

Despite receiving official sanction from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the league has been delayed due to a hold-up in finalizing franchise ownerships. At least three potential franchise owners, according to multiple sources, are instead prioritizing deals with the ECB’s The Hundred competition.

Focus Shifts to The Hundred

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently extended its deadline for finalizing franchise sales in The Hundred. This has led to delays in closing ETPL franchise deals, prompting organizers to push the league launch back by a year.

A formal announcement confirming the ETPL’s postponement is expected within 48 hours.

Bollywood Involvement and Promotion

The league generated buzz earlier this year with the involvement of Abhishek Bachchan, who joined as part-owner via Rules Sport Tech, an Indian company focused on sports promotion. Bachchan traveled to Dublin in March to promote the event through media appearances and social media campaigns.

A Troubled History for European T20 Ambitions

This is not the first time a European T20 franchise tournament has faced setbacks. The Euro T20 Slam, a separate initiative involving the same three cricket boards, was abruptly postponed in 2019 — just two weeks before its scheduled start — and never materialized.

Despite this history, ETPL organizers remain optimistic, insisting that the new project is more robust and better positioned for success.

No Comment from Cricket Boards

Representatives from Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association have declined to comment on the latest postponement.