News Headline
Abhishek Bachchan joins as co-owner of European T20 Premier League
MUMBAI: In the sprawling galaxy of Bollywood, where stars burn bright and fade faster, Abhishek Bachchan’s journey has been anything but conventional.
Born to the towering icon of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek’s life was destined to be compared, scrutinized, and, at times, unfairly dismissed. While his cinematic exploits didn’t always light up the box office, his off-screen ventures have cemented his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur with a penchant for turning opportunities into gold.
The “failed” actor narrative has followed him like a shadow, an unwelcome companion on a path littered with average box office returns and harsh critics. But Abhishek, the perennial underdog, quietly chiseled away at his destiny, crafting a legacy that his detractors couldn’t ignore.
Today, with a net worth of Rs 280 crore, he has proven that success doesn’t always need a film camera—it can shine just as brightly in the boardroom, the stadium, or even a luxury car showroom.
When Bollywood failed to give him the box-office accolades his lineage seemed to promise, Abhishek found his calling elsewhere. His ventures now span real estate, sports, and even luxury automobiles, painting a portrait of a man who refuses to be boxed in by societal expectations.
Among his prized investments are two champion teams across two of India’s most beloved sports. Chennaiyin FC, his Indian Super League (ISL) football team, is valued at Rs 29.8 crore, a testament to the growing popularity of football in cricket-crazed India. On the other hand, his Pro Kabaddi League team, valued at Rs 100 crore, exemplifies his eye for high-growth opportunities in sports.
As if his track record wasn’t impressive enough, the son of Bollywood royalty has now added another feather to his entrepreneurial cap—a stake in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). This ICC-sanctioned cricket extravaganza, set to debut in July 2025, promises to bring a fresh flavor to the gentleman’s game with teams from cities like Dublin, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam.
It’s a savvy move for the man who seems to have an uncanny knack for betting on winners, whether it’s a Pro kabaddi team, a football club, or now, a cricket league poised to capture Europe’s imagination. And this latest venture comes just in time to capitalise on the ICC’s official recognition of the league, adding another layer of prestige to the tournament and, of course, to its newest co-owner.
Bachchan expressed his excitement, saying, “Cricket is not just a sport; it’s a unifying force that transcends boundaries. With cricket being included in the 2028 Olympics, its popularity will further surge. I’m humbled and excited about this unique collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. This is just the beginning. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin.”
The league’s interim working group, featuring representatives from the participating cricket boards and strategic partner Rules Sport Tech, has led the development of ETPL. This group is tasked with creating a dedicated administrative entity to oversee tournament operations.
ETPL chair & Cricket Ireland CEO, Warren Deutrom welcomed Abhishek’s involvement, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Abhishek Bachchan as a co-owner of the ETPL. His passion for sports and entrepreneurial acumen align perfectly with our vision of elevating European cricket’s profile.”
The tournament will commence with six franchises, with matches reaching audiences in key markets like Europe, India, Australia, and England. ETPL director, Priyanka Kaul highlighted, “Abhishek’s enthusiasm for this initiative has been invaluable. This collaboration is set to inspire young talent and provide a platform for European cricket on the global stage.”
The ETPL has partnered with KPMG for strategic financial advisory, ensuring transparency and robust governance. Ravi Rajan Group founder, S Ravi emphasised the league’s commitment to financial integrity, stating, “Transparency and due diligence are at the core of the ETPL.”
Cricket’s global reach continues to expand, with 34 of 108 ICC members based in Europe. ETPL director, Saurav Banerjee remarked, “Our goal is to establish cricket as a major sport in Europe, leaving a legacy for players, fans, and stakeholders.”
A formal launch event will soon unveil franchise ownership details, team branding, and the players’ draft process. With backing from leading media partners, the ETPL is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide, offering unparalleled entertainment and fostering new talent.
Key highlights of ETPL
1 Dates: 15 July – 3 August 2025
2 Teams: Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, Glasgow
3 Global Reach: Europe, India, Australia, England
4 Partnerships: ICC sanction, Rules Sport Tech, KPMG advisory
5 Focus: Talent development, fan engagement, financial transparency
Critics may still label him a failed film star, but Bachchan’s story is one of quiet defiance—a refusal to be pigeonholed by the weight of his last name or the expectations of an industry that thrives on comparisons.
Today, as the ETPL prepares to roll out its maiden season, the spotlight is once again on Abhishek. But this time, it’s not as a Bollywood star struggling to escape his father’s shadow. It’s as a visionary entrepreneur who’s carving his own path, one smart investment at a time.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
