Dravid, Ashwin Set to Acquire Scottish T20 Franchise

March 6, 2026

Former Indian cricket stars Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin are reportedly stepping into franchise ownership as part of an Indian consortium planning to acquire a Scottish-based team in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The move marks another example of prominent cricketers investing in global franchise leagues as the sport expands beyond traditional cricketing nations.

According to media reports citing British sources, the consortium has agreed to purchase the Glasgow-based franchise in the six-team European league scheduled to begin later this year.

The development highlights growing international interest in franchise cricket, particularly in emerging leagues across Europe.

New League to Launch in Europe

The European T20 Premier League is a new professional franchise tournament jointly organized by the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. The competition is expected to feature six teams and follow a round-robin and playoff format.

The inaugural season is planned for August 2026, with matches scheduled across multiple European venues. The league aims to expand the popularity of cricket across the continent and attract international players and investors.

Cities already associated with the tournament include Amsterdam, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Dublin, representing the three participating cricketing nations.

Global Cricket Stars Investing in ETPL

Dravid and Ashwin are not the only high-profile figures linked to the new league. Reports indicate that several international cricket stars and investors have also acquired stakes in other franchises.

For instance, a South African investor group led by Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen and Jonty Rhodes are reportedly set to buy the Rotterdam-based franchise.

Meanwhile, other teams have already been sold to investors from Australia and New Zealand. These include groups associated with former international players such as Steve Waugh and Glenn Maxwell.

Such global participation indicates strong interest in the ETPL as it prepares for its first season.

Dravid’s Historical Link with Scottish Cricket

Dravid’s association with the Glasgow franchise is considered particularly interesting because of his earlier connection with Scottish cricket. The former India captain played as an overseas professional for Scotland in 2003 during their participation in English county limited-overs competitions.

During that stint, Dravid appeared in several matches in the National Cricket League and impressed with consistent performances, scoring hundreds and strengthening his bond with Scottish cricket.

His involvement in a Scotland-based franchise could therefore be seen as both a strategic business move and a symbolic return to a region where he once played.

Ashwin’s Role Still Uncertain

While Ashwin is part of the consortium investing in the franchise, it is not yet clear whether he will also play in the league. The veteran off spinner retired from international cricket in December 2024 after an illustrious career that saw him take more than 700 international wickets across formats.

Ashwin has previously expressed interest in participating in global franchise leagues. However, he recently underwent rehabilitation following a knee injury that forced him to withdraw from Australia’s Big Bash League.

If he eventually joins the ETPL as a player, it could significantly boost the tournament’s profile.

Franchise Cricket Continues to Expand Globally

The reported investment by Dravid and Ashwin reflects a wider trend in cricket where former players are transitioning into team ownership and sports entrepreneurship. From the IPL to leagues in the USA, UAE and South Africa, franchise cricket has become one of the sport’s fastest-growing business sectors.

With prominent names backing teams and international boards collaborating, the European T20 Premier League hopes to establish itself as a significant new addition to the global cricket calendar.