Chris Gayle has stepped into a new off-field role, joining the ownership group of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The league, described as Europe’s first ICC-sanctioned T20 franchise competition, announced that Glasgow-based franchise “Glasgow Mugafians” will be supported by the West Indies great alongside the Mugafi Group.
Gayle to co-own Glasgow Mugafians and serve as league ambassador
Gayle has been named a co-owner of the Mugafians, a team that is owned by Tansha Batra. Along with the ownership duties, he will also act as the ETPL’s global brand ambassador, linking the league’s marketing push to his worldwide profile.
In a statement, Gayle said the opportunity represents a fresh chapter for him. He added that having played franchise cricket around the world, he is confident the ETPL can become something special, describing Europe as cricket’s “final frontier” and saying the tournament could bring through local talent while developing future stars for the region.
Quick facts
- Chris Gayle joins the ownership group of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL).
- The Glasgow franchise, “Glasgow Mugafians,” will be backed by Gayle and Mugafi Group.
- Gayle will be a co-owner of the team owned by Tansha Batra.
- Gayle will also serve as the league’s global brand ambassador.
- The inaugural ETPL runs from August 26 to September 20.
- Six franchises will take part: Glasgow, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Rotterdam.
- The competition features 33 matches.
The ETPL’s leadership welcomed the new partnership, saying the addition of Mugafi Group and Gayle strengthens the journey ahead. The league’s co-owner Abhishek Bachchan said Europe is one of cricket’s most exciting frontiers, highlighting its sporting culture, diversity, and untapped potential.
Bachchan added that the ETPL is not only about building a tournament, but about creating a pathway that can unlock talent, connect markets, and position Europe as a meaningful new hub for the global game.
Franchise owners and captains set the tone
The ETPL has already drawn notable names from world sport into its franchise model. The Amsterdam side is supported by Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh and hockey figure Jamie Dwyer, with Mitchell Marsh listed as captain.
Belfast is co-owned by Glenn Maxwell. Edinburgh’s franchise backing includes New Zealand internationals Kyle Mills and Nathan McCullum, and Mitchell Santner has been named as captain.
With Gayle’s involvement now announced, Glasgow completes a lineup of high-profile franchise connections, with Chris Gayle and Tansha Batra taking charge of the “Glasgow Mugafians” as the inaugural ETPL edition approaches.
