Chris Gayle joins ETPL as Glasgow franchise co-owner, global ambassador

Chris Gayle has joined the ownership group of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL), Europe's first ICC-sanctioned T20 franchise league. The ETPL announced that the Glasgow-based franchise, 'Glasgow Mugafians', will be backed by the West Indian legend along with the Mugafi Group. He will be a co-owner of the franchise and will also serve as the global brand ambassador for the league.

Gayle said: "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."

The inaugural edition of the ETPL will be held from August 26 to September 20, featuring six franchises from Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam, competing in 33 matches.

Abhishek Bachchan, Co-owner of ETPL, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Mugafi Group and Chris Gayle to this journey. Europe represents one of the most exciting frontiers for cricket, a region rich in sporting culture, diversity and untapped potential. With the ETPL, we are not just building a league but creating a platform that can unlock talent, unite markets and establish Europe as a powerful new center of the global game."

The ETPL has attracted notable franchise owners from cricket and sports. The Amsterdam franchise is backed by Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh and hockey icon Jamie Dwyer, with Mitchell Marsh as captain. The Belfast franchise is co-owned by Glenn Maxwell, while Edinburgh is backed by New Zealand internationals Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, with Mitchell Santner as captain. Glasgow now joins this group, with Chris Gayle and Tansha Batra leading the franchise.