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Cricket Ireland is seriously looking at launching a Euro Nations Cup, and if things go as planned, it could begin in 2027 itself.

The idea is to have a T20 format tournament featuring European teams England, Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and Italy. All these sides were part of the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026.

Cricket Ireland chairman explains where things stand

During a press interaction, Cricket Ireland chairman Brian MacNeice, who has been one of the main voices behind this idea, spoke in detail about the progress and how close it actually is.

“I've had this on the table for discussion with various stakeholders for quite some time. It is 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 am 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.

There's ongoing discussions with various different stakeholders and parties associated with. 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,” he added.

ECB not too keen so far

At the same time, as per ESPNcricinfo, there hasn't been much movement with the ECB. Even in the past, the ECB hasn't shown much interest in this idea. That could matter later because England’s presence adds real weight to a tournament like this.

The idea behind it is quite simple. It’s about giving more exposure to the other European teams, not just England. In the last T20 World Cup, only England managed to go deep while the rest were knocked out early.

That gap is clearly there, and more tournaments like this could help those teams improve and handle pressure situations better.

Asia Cup success clearly an influence

The Asia Cup has been a big success, especially the 2025 edition, which saw massive viewership.

It feels quite clear that Cricket Ireland wants to build something similar for Europe. A proper regional tournament, some rivalries, regular cricket, and something fans can actually look forward to.

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