Dublin Guardians Aim to Foster Local Talent Through ETPL Draft

After the 2026 ETPL player draft, Dublin Guardians captain Ravi Ashwin outlined a vision centred on developing cricket in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. He stressed that consistent exposure to elite T20 action will be the cornerstone of player development in these emerging markets.

Ashwin pointed out that the league’s timing aligns with cricket’s ambition to return to the Olympic arena. He believes that franchises like the Guardians will be pivotal in showcasing how the sport can thrive on a worldwide stage.

The franchise’s recruitment strategy, co‑designed with Rahul Dravid, focuses on a core of Scottish, Dutch and Irish cricketers. By giving them regular match time, mentorship from seasoned professionals and a platform to showcase their skills, the Guardians hope to create a self‑sustaining talent pipeline.

According to Ashwin, the ideal environment is one where every player strives to improve by at least one percent daily, building a culture of continuous learning, responsibility and high performance.