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.
