There is an old saying that institutions often outlast the men and women who build them. The legacy of Pierre de Coubertin, co-founder of the International Olympic Committee, or James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, underscores this truth. In cricket, the same can be said of Kerry Packer, remembered as the pioneer of the shorter format that reshaped the game and expanded its global reach.

That influence is now being felt across Europe, a region where cricket was long a marginal sport. Today, the game is gaining momentum, fueled by the launch of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), which is positioning itself as a new global powerhouse in franchise cricket.

The ETPL recently announced a series of high-profile leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its governance and global credibility. Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, has been named Chair of the ETPL Board, while Andrew May, CFO of Cricket Ireland, will remain as a Board Director and core member of the league’s founding team. These appointments highlight the league’s deep partnership with Cricket Ireland and reinforce its long-term ambitions.

Adding further weight to the leadership, Warren Deutrom, former CEO of Cricket Ireland, has joined full-time as Director of the ETPL and Chair of Rules X, the league’s parent company. 

Deutrom is widely regarded as one of cricket’s most accomplished administrators, having played a pivotal role in securing Ireland’s ICC Full Member status. His inclusion is expected to bring both credibility and vision to the ETPL’s strategy.

Speaking on his appointment, MacNeice said “The European T20 Premier League marks an exciting new chapter for the game in Europe. It carries the potential not only to inspire a new generation of players and fans but also to firmly establish Europe as a vibrant and credible cricketing destination,” adding “At Cricket Ireland, we are delighted to be a founding partner in this journey, and we look forward to working closely with the ETPL leadership team to deliver a league built on the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and governance.”

Deutrom echoed the optimism, stating “I am delighted to be given this exciting opportunity to remain involved in European cricket, and to help bring this longstanding vision to reality. Strong indicators such as Italy’s recent qualification for next year’s men’s T20 World Cup, the positive impact of the Olympics for cricket’s recognition on the continent, and ICC’s digital data prove that European cricket is on a growth journey.”

He added, “We believe that the ETPL can play a vital role in galvanizing the world’s 2nd biggest sport in the world’s 2nd biggest sports market by establishing a world-class professional T20 league that can attract top players, partners and, ultimately, fans. I can’t wait to work alongside such an exceptional team to make this vision a reality.”

The ETPL was founded by Bollywood actor and sports entrepreneur Abhishek Bachchan, media and business strategist Priyanka Kaul, media and investment leader Saurav Banerjee, and former Delhi Capitals CEO and ex-BCCI General Manager Dhiraj Malhotra. Together, they have assembled a framework designed to deliver a world-class professional league.

The project has already drawn significant attention in cricket and investment circles, backed by leading advisors such as Oakvale Capital and KPMG India. With its blend of celebrity ownership, governance expertise, and strategic partnerships, the ETPL is emerging as one of the most anticipated new T20 properties globally.

Set to launch in 2026, the ETPL is backed by Rules X in partnership with the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. By combining international players, European boards, and global investors, the league aims to redefine cricket’s footprint in Europe and build a premier franchise tournament with lasting global influence.

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