Summary England's "jam-packed" schedule means involvement in mooted Asia Cup-style tournament unlikely
LONDON (Web Desk) - Richard Gould, the ECB's chief executive, has poured cold water on the idea of an Asia Cup-style tournament for European nations, citing England's "jam-packed" international schedule.
Brian MacNeice, Cricket Ireland's chair, said this month that he was "very passionate" about the prospect of a "Euro Nations Cup", pitching a 2027 launch for men's and women's T20 tournaments played between Ireland, England, Scotland, Netherlands and potentially Italy.
"I've had this on the table for discussion with various stakeholders for quite some time," MacNeice said. "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."
However, a successful launch would depend on England's involvement and Gould suggested on Tuesday that he had no plans to add the international schedule of the men's team.
"It's a very nice idea," Gould said, speaking at the ECB's domestic season launch at Lord's. "[But] our schedule is absolutely jam-packed, and we're not looking to add to our schedule."
Sources said that the ECB remains open to discussions about the idea but believes that the tournament would not be viable without confirmed broadcast interest.
England toured Ireland for three T20Is - one was washed out - last September, and have provisionally agreed to return for another three-match T20I series in 2029. Cricket Ireland hopes that these could be the first international matches staged at their new national stadium at Abbotstown in Dublin.
Gould also pushed back against the idea that the English season will start shrouded in negativity on Friday following criticism of the England Men's environment from several recent players, including Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow and Reece Topley.
"I really don't agree with that," Gould said. "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."
