European Champions Trophy: ECA Unveils New Continental Club Competition

The European Cricket Association (ECA) has unveiled plans to launch the European Champions Trophy in 2026, a T20 International tournament that will feature national club champions from across Europe. This initiative aims to elevate club cricket and provide an international platform for European teams.

During the ECA’s annual conference in Istanbul, member federations were invited to submit hosting proposals by 31 January 2026. A final decision on the host will be announced in February, according to ECA officials.

The association also acknowledged the commercial potential of the T10 format. “We will explore T10 events in 2026 to enhance the financial sustainability of member federations. Recommendations will be tabled at the Executive Committee in Q1 2026,” the ECA statement noted.

Delegates from 13 national federations participated in the congress, ensuring quorum and allowing the assembly to proceed with elections, governance updates, and competition planning. Romania’s Gabriel Marin was elected as President, with Yousuf Gilani of Norway as First Vice-President. Other vice-presidents are Gurumurty Palani (France), Mohammad Bilal Zalmani (Austria), and Indika Thilan Perera (Malta).

The ECA Board expanded to its full 11-member composition, including Nicolas Fournarakis (Greece), Nikolay Kolev (Bulgaria), Abdul Shakoor (Romania), Nahit Sahin (Turkey), Sarah Gomersall (Jersey), and Luca Bruno Malaspina (Italy).

Marin emphasised that the ECA is focused on establishing long-term strategic objectives, such as European Championships for men, women, and under-19s, alongside community and grassroots initiatives. “Our goal is to make cricket a tool for education, integration, and cohesion, ensuring the ECA becomes a sustainable and influential part of Europe’s sporting ecosystem,” he said.

Khaborwala/SJ