However the globalisation of cricket is accelerating, particularly as ETPL gears up for its first season in 2026. In an extraordinary feat, the West Indian giant, Chris Gayle, known loosely as the ‘Universe Boss’, makes his public presence known by stepping into the role of co-owner of the Glasgow team.
It was sound sport choice for a league that is already on the radar given how bold cricket aspires to bring it to Europe. The Glasgow side not only consider Gayle one of its co-owners but also have him as their international spokesman.
He can complement this by contributing his own talent and experience to a young, growing squad called "Glasgow Mugafians." Franchise ownership will be entered into through a joint venture with the Mugafian Group headed by Vipul Agarwal undertaking both the commercial and digital side of the team. Tansha Batra will have the duties of team owner, and in this way a multi-stakeholder effort toward a powerful cricket brand in the region.
Abhishek Bachchan and Saurav Banerjee, Priyanka Kaul and Dheeraj Malhotra co-founded ETPL. Set for its inaugural launch in 2026, the tournament will be held August 26 through September 20, 2026 and consist of six teams which will represent Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, Rotterdam and Glasgow. Furthermore, being a franchise-based T20 tournament in Europe, this league is recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). And this moment is part of a growing desire in cricket beyond its traditionally cultivated communities.
Now athletes who are internationally famous are also onboard. And superstars such as Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh are already signing with different teams around the world, making it that much more competitive for players, and adding even more upside.
Abhishek Bachchan, a cricket superstar, stated he was delighted to have Gayle in the mix; he can help give credibility and excitement around the league now he can do so as cricketing legends make its appearance. ETPL is an endeavour, he added, to create a medium for entertainment and to expand cricket into new regions.
“The ETPL 2026 season will be an event with some very important significance going forward, by coming with the participation of legendary players alongside global support and entering a new market. Chris Gayle’s transition from player to team owner is larger than that outstanding journey in cricket, where champions outlive their playing days.
