Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has said that emerging franchise-based leagues like the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) could play a crucial role in making cricket a truly global sport. His remarks came after the inaugural ETPL Player Draft, where 36 players from Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland were selected by six participating franchises.

Speaking during a media interaction following the draft, Ashwin, who is serving as captain and mentor of the Dublin Guardians, highlighted both his leadership role and the broader vision behind the league. He said his transition into a mentor-captain role had been a natural progression in his career, adding that he had already taken on similar responsibilities in domestic cricket environments over recent years.

Ashwin noted that the ETPL presents an important opportunity for cricketers from associate nations to gain exposure and improve their game. He stressed that the league is focused on developing players from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, and building a competitive environment that encourages continuous improvement. According to him, such platforms are essential if cricket is to expand beyond its traditional strongholds.

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The veteran spinner also linked the growth of shorter formats, particularly T20 cricket, to the sport’s potential inclusion in global multi-sport events like the Olympics. He said the condensed format makes cricket more adaptable and commercially viable, especially given the increasing number of franchise leagues worldwide. While expressing strong support for T20 cricket, he also indicated uncertainty about the long-term relevance of the ODI format.

Ashwin further spoke about team dynamics within the Dublin Guardians, emphasising the importance of freedom and clarity in decision-making. He said former India coach Rahul Dravid, who is associated with the project, has given him autonomy in cricketing decisions, allowing him to focus on strategy and team building. He added that the collaboration is still evolving but carries the potential to make a meaningful impact on the development of the sport globally.

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