Ravichandran Ashwin Endorses ETPL as a Gateway to Cricket’s Olympic Ambitions

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin believes franchise leagues such as the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) will be instrumental in establishing cricket as a serious global sport, especially as the format’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics opens the biggest opportunity yet to reach new audiences.

The 39‑year‑old was recently appointed captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians, one of six ETPL franchises, and will join the league after wrapping up his stint with the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket 2026. The ETPL, Europe’s first ICC‑sanctioned multi‑nation franchise T20 competition, will take place from August 26 through September 20 across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

“If cricket is serious about becoming a global sport, I believe the teams in this league will play a crucial role in making that happen. For me, this is an exciting opportunity—not only to field a competitive side and perform well, but also to create an environment where players can develop, improve, and leave a lasting impact on the tournament,” Ashwin said on Cricinfo.

Ashwin Sees T20 as a Permanent Fixture in Global Sport

The veteran off‑spinner also highlighted the broader prospects of the format, noting that a shorter game is more viable on the global stage.

“If cricket aims to go global and become an Olympic sport, a shorter format is more viable. That’s how it will grow substantially, offering a broader pool of players—essential for leagues that operate year‑round. T20 as a sport is here to stay. I’m less certain about the future of ODI cricket,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin will finish his MLC 2026 campaign with the San Francisco Unicorns before moving to Europe for the ETPL. The Dublin Guardians are owned by former India captain and T20 World Cup‑winning coach Rahul Dravid. The league kicks off on August 26 and concludes on September 20.

Source link