Chris Gayle Becomes Co-Owner of Glasgow Team in European T20 League

 

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has been confirmed as co-owner of a Glasgow-based franchise ahead of the launch of the European T20 Premier League later this year.

Gayle has partnered with the India-based Mugafi Group, with the team set to compete under the name Glasgow Mugafians. The move signals his transition from playing into franchise ownership after a distinguished international career.

Speaking about the development, Gayle described it as an exciting step and highlighted the importance of expanding cricket into new regions. He said Europe represents a major opportunity for the sport’s growth and believes the new league can help develop local talent and future stars.

The 46-year-old enjoyed a remarkable career with the West Indies, playing across all formats between 1999 and 2021. Known for his powerful batting and dominance in T20 cricket, he became one of the most recognised players in franchise leagues worldwide.

The Glasgow franchise was initially expected to be taken over by a group led by Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, that group is now understood to be shifting its interest towards the Dublin-based team, opening the door for Gayle’s involvement.

The European T20 Premier League is being organised with the support of cricket boards from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. The competition will feature six teams representing cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The league has also attracted attention from the entertainment industry, with Abhishek Bachchan involved as a co-owner alongside Rules Sport Tech.

Franchises in the tournament have reportedly been sold for around £11.1 million over a 10-year cycle, reflecting strong financial investment in the project.

The inaugural season is scheduled to run from 26 August to 20 September. Organisers aim to establish the competition as a platform for emerging talent while also attracting international audiences.

Gayle’s involvement is expected to bring experience and global attention to the Glasgow team as preparations continue for the league’s first season.