India, Jan. 21 -- Former World Cup-winning Australian captain Steve Waugh has invested in one of the franchises set to participate in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL).

The 60-year-old cricketing legend described the opportunity as "fascinating," adding that he is committed to helping "take the global game of cricket to continental Europe."

"I'm not signing up to a Mickey Mouse T20 competition. This is the real deal," Waugh told BBC Sport. "I wouldn't be lending my name or expertise if it wasn't. The players we've spoken to are very keen to play in this league."

Following the model of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which blends cricket with the entertainment industry, Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is also a co-owne...