ECB rejects Cricket Ireland’s ‘Euro Nations Cup’ proposal

Richard Gould. (Photo Source: Philip Brown – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)

England & Wales Cricket Board CEO Richard Gould has dismissed the idea of an Asia Cup-style tournament involving European Countries, citing England’s packed international schedule.

Cricket Ireland CEO Brian MacNeice has proposed a “Euro-Nations Cup”, a tournament involving European countries, similar to the Asia Cup, and has been lobbying to start men’s and women’s editions for the same by 2027.

“I’ve had this on the table for discussion with various stakeholders for quite some time. It’s something that I’m very passionate about and that I fundamentally believe in. The conversations have now developed and evolved to a point that I’m much more confident that it is going to happen,” MacNeice said.

Gould has suggested that he would not want to add more to England’s tight international schedule, with new commitments like these.

“It’s a very nice idea. [But] our schedule is absolutely jam-packed, and we’re not looking to add to our schedule,” Gould said, speaking at the ECB’s domestic season launch at Lord’s.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the ECB are open to further discussions surrounding this, provided there is broadcaster interest. A tournament like this would ideally need a powerhouse like England to feature, for it to come to fruition.

England men play three-match Test series against New Zealand and Pakistan, along with white-ball tours against India and Sri Lanka. The women will be walking in as the hosts of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which is slated to span the summer. In between that, the Hundred is set to take place, highlighting England’s packed schedule.

He further spoke of how there are no negative connotations surrounding multiple players coming out in criticism of the England management, and the environment surrounding the men’s team.

“I really don’t agree with that. The start of a new season is always an exciting juncture. All of our metrics are up and positive. Yes, we’ve had a difficult winter, but that’s a road bump that we will get over.

“When players come out of the England fold, it’s difficult for them. It’s difficult for any player when they get dropped in any sport and they will not agree with the decision. I wouldn’t want them to agree with the decision. These are competitive men and women seeking to play at the highest standard for as long as they can,” Gould said.