ECB block Lord's plan for Euro Nations Cup

The England and Wales Cricket Board has blocked plans to hold the final of a T20 tournament for European nations at Lord’s.

Discussions to create an annual ‘Euro Nations Cup’ in both the men’s and women’s game started earlier this year.

The cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands are developing the concept and had hoped to play it as soon as the early part of next summer.

Sources have told BBC Sport the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) are supportive of the idea to help grow European cricket and were willing to make Lord’s available.

It was hoped that Sir Paul Getty’s ground at Wormsley, who the MCC have a strategic partnership with, could also be used to host fixtures.

However, it is understood the ECB indicated they would not sign off on a staging agreement required for a T20 international tournament to take place within their jurisdiction.

A source indicated the ECB feared blowback from counties over international cricket being held in England at the same time as the domestic season.

Earlier this year organisers were positive about ECB involvement and were optimistic that England could participate in the tournament.

But in March ECB chief executive Richard Gould cited complications over fitting the event in alongside England’s existing international commitments.

The ECB declined to comment when approached by BBC Sport.

ICC keen for greater ECB Euro role – Analysis

ECB officials have largely been lukewarm to the idea of a European tournament when similar proposals have been floated in the past.

So the ongoing reluctance to allow England, or even an England Lions team, to participate should not come as a shock.

Scuppering plans with other stakeholders to develop a Euro Nations Cup, though, has naturally been met with disappointment in European cricket circles.

Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands have their own cricket cultures and talent but lack resources and infrastructure – something English cricket has in spades.

The performances of the above trio at T20 World Cups – both men’s and women’s – have improved to the point where they are competitive against England.

Certainly, there’s a case to be made that new rivalries based on geography could be a beneficial for English cricket.

A senior International Cricket Council official remarked to BBC Sport that the ECB should “realise that a rising tide lifts all boats” and play a greater role helping their neighbours.