Rahul Dravid has officially entered cricket franchise ownership after being unveiled as the owner of Dublin Guardians in the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL), but the former India coach has already made one thing very clear - he does not plan to become a hands-on owner.
Speaking after the announcement in Dublin, Dravid admitted fans should not expect to see him sitting in dugouts, attending daily practice sessions or micromanaging the cricket side of the franchise.
"I think honestly, the plan is for me to not actually get involved in the cricketing side of things," Dravid said.
"You certainly won't see me in the dugout. And I'm not someone who's going to be there at every practice session. Or for that matter, not there for even every game.
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Rahul Dravid says his role will focus on building the franchise
The former India captain explained that his focus would largely remain on developing the overall franchise structure and allowing cricket experts to manage the team operations.
"My job will really be to put together a team both on the field and, of course, there's a lot of work that needs to be done at a franchise level off the field," Dravid said.
"Which, for me, will be the priority and the focus. And sort of let Ashwin and the experts that we pick, let them manage and run the cricket. "
Dravid admitted franchise ownership would be a completely new experience for him despite his decades of involvement in elite cricket as a player, mentor and coach.
"So we'll only know when that happens. We'll only know how I will be because it's going to be my first opportunity and experience," he said.
Ravichandran Ashwin to lead Dublin Guardians project
Central to Dravid's plans is Ravichandran Ashwin, who has already been signed as captain and mentor for Dublin Guardians.
Dravid made it clear that Ashwin would enjoy major freedom in shaping the team environment and cricket philosophy.
"I think we're lucky to have signed on someone like Ashwin as a captain and a mentor. And we'll put a team around him that will allow him to lead the team and run the team in the way that he wants to," Dravid said.
The Dravid-Ashwin partnership immediately gives Dublin Guardians one of the strongest cricket brains trusts in the new league.
European T20 Premier League aims to make cricket bigger in Europe
The ETPL is being positioned as cricket's next major expansion project outside traditional strongholds like India, Australia and England.
The six-team competition - jointly backed by Cricket Ireland and Rules Global - will feature franchises based in Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
The ownership groups already include several major international names:
- Glenn Maxwell and entrepreneur Rohan Lund own Belfast
- Chris Gayle co-owns Glasgow
- Steve Waugh is attached to Amsterdam
- Jonty Rhodes and Faf du Plessis are involved with Rotterdam
The tournament is also expected to feature international stars such as Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone and Mitchell Santner.
Dravid's understated ownership style already stands out
Unlike several franchise owners known for regularly appearing around dressing rooms and team benches, Dravid's approach appears intentionally understated.
The former India coach's philosophy mirrors the calm, process-driven personality that defined both his playing and coaching career.
Rather than positioning himself as the face of daily cricket operations, Dravid appears focused on creating the right systems and trusting experienced cricket minds like Ashwin to handle the rest.
For European cricket, however, the arrival of someone like Dravid remains a massive statement of intent as the ETPL prepares for its inaugural season in 2026.
