Chris Gayle Co-Owns Glasgow Franchise in European T20 League

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-04-22

Cricket legend Chris Gayle is stepping into a new role—not just as a player, but as a co-owner and global ambassador for the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). He's now part-owner of the Glasgow Mugafians franchise, and honestly, this is a big deal for cricket in Europe. ### A New Chapter for Gayle Gayle isn't just putting his name on a team; he's investing in the future of the sport. The ETPL announced the news on social media, calling it a "giant step" for franchise cricket in Europe. And they're not wrong. Gayle brings decades of experience from leagues around the world—IPL, BBL, CPL, you name it. He knows what makes a league tick. In his own words: "Stepping into the role of co-owner of Glasgow Mugafians marks an exciting new chapter for me. The ETPL is already creating waves globally, and having played in franchise leagues around the world, I'm confident this will be something special. Europe represents cricket's final frontier, and the ETPL has the potential to unravel promising local talent and nurture future heroes who will strengthen the sport in that region." ### Who Owns the Glasgow Mugafians? The franchise is backed by the Mugafi Group, with Tansha Batra as the majority owner. Gayle joins as co-owner, giving the team instant credibility. He's also the league's global brand ambassador, which means you'll see his face everywhere as the ETPL builds up to its first season. ### ETPL Inaugural Season: August-September 2026 Mark your calendars. The first season runs from August 26 to September 20, 2026. Six franchises will compete across 33 matches, representing Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam. This is the first ICC-approved T20 franchise league in Europe, which gives it a level of credibility other regional leagues don't have. ### A Star-Studded Ownership Group The ETPL isn't messing around. Here's who else is involved: - **Amsterdam**: Backed by Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh and hockey icon Jamie Dwyer, with Mitchell Marsh as captain. - **Belfast**: Co-owned by Glenn Maxwell. - **Edinburgh**: Supported by New Zealand internationals Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, with Mitchell Santner as captain. This kind of lineup shows that serious cricket people believe in the ETPL. It's not just a hobby—it's a real business opportunity. ### What This Means for Cricket in Europe Europe has always been a bit of a blank spot on the cricket map. Sure, there are passionate fans and players, but no major franchise league. The ETPL aims to change that. Abhishek Bachchan, co-owner of the league, said Europe has "rich sporting culture, diversity, and unexploited potential for cricket." He wants to make Europe a serious global cricket hub, not just a side market. For Gayle, this is more than a business move. It's a chance to leave a legacy. As he put it, "I can't wait to get started on this new journey." And honestly, with him on board, the ETPL is off to a flying start. *This article is for informational purposes only. Visit the official ETPL website for more details.*