Jay Shah and Gautam Gambhir (Source: AFP and X)
In a significant development, Cricket Ireland is actively working toward launching a new multi-nation tournament called the ‘Euro Nations Cup,’ potentially as early as 2027. The idea, championed by Cricket Ireland chair Brian MacNeice, aims to create a European equivalent of the Asia Cup, featuring both men's and women's competitions in the T20 format.
The proposed tournament is expected to include teams such as England, Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, and Italy.
If successful, it would mark a major step toward strengthening cricket across Europe, particularly for Associate nations.
Ireland pushing to start 'Euro Nations Cup' in 2027
Brian MacNeice has described the project as a passion initiative, revealing that discussions around the concept have been ongoing for quite some time.
Speaking during the announcement of Ireland's 2026 home fixtures, he expressed strong confidence that the event will materialise.
"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." MacNeice said on Friday,
"The conversations have now developed and evolved to a point that I'm much more confident that it is going to happen… There's multiple stakeholders that will be part of that in due course, but I would anticipate that it will kick off in the summer of '27, and the precise format and detail of it will be announced in due course - I would expect in the next couple of months.
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"There's ongoing discussions with various different stakeholders and parties associated with it… To be clear from the outset, that's a men's and women's event. It's a little bit early from a broadcaster perspective to be going out until it's all locked in, but we anticipate that there will be broadcast appetite for it."
Jay Shah's ICC under spotlight as Europe plans new multi-team event
However, the proposal has brought attention to Jay Shah ICC's existing regulations on multi-national international tournaments. The global body norms state that tournaments involving three or more international teams typically require approval from the ICC, led by Jay Shah.
The Asia Cup remains the only officially sanctioned multi-team continental tournament of its kind, featuring major Asian cricketing nations alongside qualifiers.
It would be interesting to see whether the Euro Nations Cup would receive the necessary backing from the Jay Shah's ICC.
Another aspect is the apparent lack of involvement from the ECB in recent discussions (as per ESPNcricinfo).
Although Brian MacNeice previously raised the idea with ECB officials during England's tour of Ireland, reports suggest that the board has not played a role in the latest developments (ESPNcricinfo). The absence of India from the proposed tournament also stands out.
Ireland to play against India
Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland is also strengthening bilateral ties, announcing new long-term arrangements with the Emirates Cricket Board and the Cricket Association of Nepal. These agreements will see Ireland play regular white-ball series against both nations.
Additionally, India will tour Ireland in June for a short T20I series.
