Indian cricket icon Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall,” has embarked on a new journey in the world of cricket. After a historic stint as India’s head coach—culminating in a T20 World Cup victory—Dravid has transitioned into a new role as a team owner in a European T20 league.
Dravid Becomes Team Owner: Acquires Stake in Dublin Guardians
In a move that has surprised the global cricket community, Rahul Dravid has joined an Indian private consortium to take over a franchise in the newly formed European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The team will be known as the Dublin Guardians.
Rahul Dravid’s Reaction and Vision
Moving from the dugout to the boardroom, Dravid expressed his excitement about the project:
“It is truly fantastic to be involved in this. When I first heard about the ETPL, I found the energy and passion for cricket in Europe to be incredibly exciting. India’s recent T20 World Cup success has further inspired young athletes globally, and I am thrilled to help build something special at the grassroots level here.”
R. Ashwin to Lead the Guardians
In another major announcement, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named the captain of the Dublin Guardians. Having retired from Test cricket in December 2024 and subsequently from the IPL, Ashwin is now free to participate in overseas leagues. The Dravid-Ashwin partnership, which was highly successful for Team India, is expected to bring immense tactical depth to the Dublin franchise.
What is the European T20 Premier League (ETPL)?
The ETPL is a collaborative effort to establish Europe as a premier cricket hub.
- Organizers: The league is supported by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
- Bollywood Connection: Actor Abhishek Bachchan, in partnership with the Indian firm Rules Sport Tech, is a key driving force behind the league.
- Teams: The inaugural season features six teams representing Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
- Schedule: The tournament is scheduled to run from August 26 to September 20, with matches hosted in The Hague (Netherlands) and Dublin (Ireland).
Conclusion
The involvement of legendary figures like Rahul Dravid and R. Ashwin provides the ETPL with instant global credibility and brand value. For fans, seeing “The Wall” in an ownership role alongside Ashwin’s captaincy makes the Dublin Guardians one of the most anticipated teams of the upcoming European summer.
Disclaimer: This report is based on recent sporting developments and official announcements. For detailed information regarding league regulations and team ownership, please refer to the official ETPL website.
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