New name but same old problems for Ireland as the ETPL won't be happening in 2025.

It's been an open secret for weeks, but Friday morning finally saw confirmation from Cricket Ireland that the European T20 Premier League won't be happening this summer.

Just like its predecessor, the Euroslam, the league hasn't attracted enough interest in time from investors, although there were a few parties seemingly brave/stupid enough to stump up $30 million over a ten-year period.

There's no mention in the release of a cancellation or a postponement, just that it will launch instead in 2026.

I have no problem with Cricket Ireland trying to get this ill-feted event off the ground. Where I do have a problem is that they have wasted three months of prime summer with a barren fixture schedule.

This is unforgiveable. 

Warren Deutrom and Richard Holdsworth

There won't be any consequences for another failure - the Cricket Ireland Board is virtually impotent to act.

They should be hanging their heads in shame but won't. This is what CEO Warren Deutrom had to say on the matter,

“We’re building for the long term. With the right partners, capital and support across the board, 2026 gives us the ideal runway to launch a league that is professional, competitive and built to last. With the backing of Rules Sport Tech and the national boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, the ETPL is shaping up to be a powerful new force in global cricket.”

'A powerful new force' - right.

This time next year, we'll be millionaires … until then ….