Cricket Ireland proposes ‘Euro Nations Cup’ featuring England and Ireland, eyes 2027 launch

Published - 20 Mar 2026, 22:02 IST | Updated - 20 Mar 2026, 22:04 IST

Cricket Ireland is pushing for the launch of a ‘Euro Nations Cup,’ with chair Brian MacNeice expressing confidence that the tournament could begin as early as 2027. The proposed competition would mirror the format of the Asia Cup, bringing together leading European sides such as England, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Italy.

The tournament is expected to feature both men’s and women’s matches, likely in the T20 format. MacNeice revealed he discussed the concept with England and Wales Cricket Board officials during England’s T20I tour of Ireland last September, although the ECB has not been involved in recent discussions.

"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… 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,” said MacNeice as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"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 a broadcast appetite for it,” he added.

Stirling steps down as captain of Ireland's T20I side

Cricket Ireland has announced long-term agreements with the Emirates Cricket Board and the Cricket Association of Nepal, aimed at boosting international opportunities for its men’s team. The arrangements will see Ireland play a regular white-ball series against both the United Arab Emirates and Nepal. Additionally, from the 2026-27 season onwards, each franchise in the International League T20 (ILT20) will be required to sign at least one Ireland player, strengthening player exposure and development pathways.