European cricket nations cup could launch in 2027

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) held talks with Cricket Ireland over the idea during last September's white-ball series.

England's presence would add commercial clout to the tournament and make it more appealing to broadcasters in addition to support with venues given the lack of international-standard grounds elsewhere.

ECB officials have largely been lukewarm to the idea when similar ideas have been floated in the past.

However, the performances at the recent T20 World Cup - both Italy and Scotland ran England close - and encouragement from the International Cricket Council has given the ECB food for thought.

With qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup already secured for England, courtesy of qualifying for the Super 8s, a European tournament would potentially provide an opportunity for emerging players.

When asked if the ECB would be supportive, MacNeice was not definitive: "In principle it's really easy to do. There are practicalities of logistics and existing broadcasting and all that sort of stuff.

"That's the complicated kind of piece that has to be pieced together. So that work is ongoing, but what I honestly believe is that it's much more than a kind of fanciful idea.

"This time last year, it was a fanciful idea. Now it's something that's progressing far more. It's not quite there yet, but it's heading very much in that direction.

"We are certainly starting to consider how we can create room and build it into our future plans."