How about a European Cup?

[cricket_icon]

Now I know cricket isn't as big in Europe as it is in Asia and England (Wales) is the only country to play it at a high enough level, not to mention a bit of a busy summer with 2 test series. However, how about, in stead of a bilateral ODI series with the first touring side (normally the starter for the main course later in the summer), there is a 4 team, t20 format European Cup of cricket?

It doesn't have to happen every year or anything, in fact, every two years would probably be idea. WIth 4 teams and in the shorter format, we could end up with two matches a day at the same venue so the fans get what they want and get some bang for their buck.

The ideal teams would be England, Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland. Have it held across two venues in England and a short, one week tournament gets fans in, some good t20 cricket and a chance for the associates to play at the highest level more often.

There is the fact that England would always be favourites but add in Ireland's mercurial talent at t20 and increase in funds that a tournament like this could mean and we could end up with one or two genuine contenders. What do you guys think?

 

[bigred]

Very good idea. I'd get rid of both summer bilateral series'. Ideal scenario

1. Euro cup (4 team t20 tournament. Next year 4 team ODI tournament)
2. Test series
3. Triangular t20 and ODI series( each team plays each other once in both formats, with final consisting of 1 t20 and 2 ODIs)
4. Main test series

 

[Aravind.]

 

[cricket_icon]

Very good idea. I'd get rid of both summer bilateral series'. Ideal scenario

1. Euro cup (4 team t20 tournament. Next year 4 team ODI tournament)
2. Test series
3. Triangular t20 and ODI series( each team plays each other once in both formats, with final consisting of 1 t20 and 2 ODIs)
4. Main test series

What do you mean? I'm a bit lost with your 4 points.

 

[bigred]

What do you mean? I'm a bit lost with your 4 points.

That's the itinerary for my ideal summer. No bilateral series'. Two test series', a euro cup and a triangular series between us and the two other test playing nations in the country that summer. The tri series could consist of ODI games and t20 matches. A bit like the women's ashes.

 

[Ohm]

Truly a good idea. I have always dreamed about continental or International cricket tournament (every 4 year) involving bunch of cricketing nations, and not 10 teams world cup. Your opinions about European competition seems fairly nice. Previously, England were the only dominant cricketing country in Europe. Now that Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland have done sufficient job in recent years of cricket, they all should come together and form a European cup. That will be a deal. Ireland have beaten England in ODI and so have Dutch beaten them in T20I. So, it is not quite groundless to say that actually it'll be competitive and exciting to see Ireland/Netherlands/Scotland play England and each other in a small championship.

 

[cricket_icon]

Truly a good idea. I have always dreamed about continental or International cricket tournament (every 4 year) involving bunch of cricketing nations, and not 10 teams world cup. Your opinions about European competition seems fairly nice. Previously, England were the only dominant cricketing country in Europe. Now that Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland have done sufficient job in recent years of cricket, they all should come together and form a European cup. That will be a deal. Ireland have beaten England in ODI and so have Dutch beaten them in T20I. So, it is not quite groundless to say that actually it'll be competitive and exciting to see Ireland/Netherlands/Scotland play England and each other in a small championship.

Thanks!

And yeah, there can definitely be some competition from the irish and the dutch, plus, the great beneficiary from this would be cricket in general, where smaller/associate nations get to compete at a higher level and thus improve. Add to that the increase in funds a tournament could bring and we should be seeing further improvements.

I disagree about the 4 year gap, every 2 years would be better imo but it's something that could be tweaked. The ICC needs to start expanding and creating more meaningful cricket.[DOUBLEPOST=1456914674][/DOUBLEPOST]

That's the itinerary for my ideal summer. No bilateral series'. Two test series', a euro cup and a triangular series between us and the two other test playing nations in the country that summer. The tri series could consist of ODI games and t20 matches. A bit like the women's ashes.

Ahhh, ok, I got a bit lost lol

It's a pretty good itinerary.

 

[icyman]

An excellent idea. The other nations in Europe are quite competitive,especially in the T20 format and could end up giving England a run for their money. Even an ODI tournament would be good as it helps the Associates in getting a few games. Have a qualifying round for the other nations and get in two qualifiers to join England, Scotland, Ireland and Holland. It'd be a great success.

Also, the gap between the teams isn't huge as opposed to something in Africa- where the Africa Cup was quite disastrous. Let's hope the ECB/ ICC takes an active interest in such a concept. Perhaps you can even play a tournament wherein you can bring together the Continental Champions later on.