West Indies legend Gayle invests in Glasgow T20 franchise

West Indies legend Chris Gayle has been announced as the co-owner of a Glasgow-based franchise taking part in this summer’s inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL).

Gayle has partnered with Mugafi Group, an India-based entertainment business, with the team to be known as the Glasgow Mugafians.

An investment group led by Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin had been originally expected to take ownership of the ETPL’s Glasgow franchise.

However, BBC Sport has been told they are set to pivot their interest to the team based out of Dublin instead.

Gayle, 46, played 103 Tests, 301 ODIs and 79 T20 internationals for West Indies between 1999 and 2021 and has been one of the most recognisable faces in franchise cricket.

“Stepping into the role of co-owner of Glasgow Mugafians marks an exciting new chapter for me,” Gayle said.

“Europe represents cricket’s final frontier, and the ETPL has the potential to unravel promising local talent and nurture future heroes who will strengthen the sport in that region. I can’t wait to get started on this new journey.”

The ETPL is being run in collaboration with the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands with teams based out of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Bollywood actor and film producer Abhishek Bachchan is a part-owner of the league in conjunction with Rules Sport Tech, a private Indian company.

As reported by BBC Sport earlier this year, the franchises have been sold for £11.1m ($15m) over a 10-year period.

The tournament is set to be played from August 26 to September 20. (BBC)