The European Cricket Association (ECA) has announced the launch of the European Champions Trophy, a new T20I competition that will bring together national club champions from across the continent starting in 2026. Member countries have been asked to submit hosting proposals by January 31, 2026, with final decisions expected in February, the association confirmed after its annual conference in Istanbul.
The ECA also highlighted the growing commercial scope of T10 cricket globally. In its official statement, the association said it would explore the feasibility of introducing T10 events in 2026 to strengthen the financial sustainability of member federations. Recommendations from the Marketing and Competition Commissions will be reviewed at the Executive Committee meeting in the first quarter of 2026.
Delegates from all 13 national federations attended the annual Congress, with quorum confirmed before proceedings began. The agenda included governance elections, competition planning and regulatory updates, along with structural decisions for future tournaments.
In the elections, Gabriel Marin of Romania was elected president, while Yousuf Gilani of Norway became the first vice-president. Gurumurty Palani (France), Mohammad Bilal Zalmani (Austria) and Indika Thilan Perera (Malta) were elected as vice-presidents.
In line with Article 7 of the ECA Articles of Association, the Board expanded to its full 11-member structure, adding Nicolas Fournarakis (Greece), Nikolay Kolev (Bulgaria), Abdul Shakoor (Romania), Nahit Sahin (Turkiye), Sarah Gomersall (Jersey) and Luca Bruno Malaspina (Italy).
The ECA noted that it has now finalised its internal governance structure for the next four years. It has outlined its competition framework for the next three years, including the European Championships for men and women, as well as the Under-19 European Championship, which it described as a major strategic goal.
The Congress also emphasised grassroots development and expanding cricket’s presence in local communities across Europe. “We are looking forward to making the ECA a long-term success story in the European sporting landscape,” president Marin said.
