With cricket continuing to gain traction across Europe, the European Cricket Association (ECA) convened its second annual Congress in Istanbul, delivering a decisive step forward in the sport’s continental professionalization and governance.
Held from November 22–23, 2025, the Istanbul Congress brought together delegates from all 13 ECA member federations. With quorum confirmed, the assembly proceeded as a fully valid session, packed with key decisions on leadership, competition planning, and regulatory reform—signaling a new era for the ECA.
New leadership structure solidifies governance expansion
A central outcome of the Congress was the formal discharge of the interim Board appointed in 2024, and the election of a new Executive Management team to serve a full four-year term.
Gabriel Marin was appointed President, alongside Yousuf Gilani (First Vice-President, Norway), Gurumurty Palani (Vice-President, France), Mohammad Bilal Zalmay (Vice-President, Austria), and Indika Thilan Perera (Vice-President, Malta).
In line with Article 7 of the ECA Articles of Association, the Board expanded to its full 11-member structure, incorporating: Nicolas Fournarakis (Greece), Nikolay Kolev (Bulgaria), Abdul Shakoor (Romania), Nahit Şahin (Türkiye), Sarah Gomersall (Jersey), and Luca Bruno Malaspina (Italy).
Operational appointments were also finalized to enhance governance delivery and strategic execution, including:
- Tariq Zuwak as Secretary General
- Abdul Shakoor as Director of the Competitions Commission
- Saravana Kumar Durairaj as Director of the Marketing Commission
- Yuval Viner as Financial Director
- Nicolas Fournarakis as Director of Youth Development
All commissions have been mandated to be fully functional by January 31, 2026.
A unified framework for future growth
Structural reforms took center stage at the Congress, with the adoption of key governance and competition frameworks designed to accelerate the development of European cricket.
The ECA confirmed that both Part 1 and Part 2 of its By-laws—covering Internal Rules and Competition Rules—will be finalized by January 31, 2026. Minor amendments to the Articles of Association are also under legal review.
On the competition front, a three-year strategic plan was unveiled, covering the senior men’s and women’s ECA T20I European Championships, along with the U19 T20I edition. These events will anchor the international calendar from 2026 to 2028.
Launching the European Champions Trophy
One of the Congress’s most notable announcements was the creation of the European Champions Trophy—Europe’s first T20I club-level continental competition.
The tournament will bring together national club champions from across the region and is slated to debut in 2026. Member federations have been asked to submit hosting proposals by January 31, with a final decision expected the following month.
The ECA also noted that all competition names and branding are subject to intellectual property rights and confirmed it would address such matters as required.
2026 European Championships: calendar and hosting
The preliminary schedule for the 2026 continental competitions was confirmed:
- Men’s European Championship: July 20–30, 2026
- Hosting bids from Romania and Austria due by January 31, 2026
- Hosting bids from Romania and Austria due by January 31, 2026
- Women’s European Championship: September 23–October 3, 2026
- Hosting bids from France and Greece due by January 31, 2026
- Hosting bids from France and Greece due by January 31, 2026
- U19 European Championship: June 23–30, 2026
- Türkiye has tentatively been designated as host, subject to Ministry of Sports approval
- If a U19 Women’s event is confirmed, Türkiye may host both sequentially
- Türkiye has tentatively been designated as host, subject to Ministry of Sports approval
Final hosting decisions will be announced in early February 2026.
Monitoring regulatory shifts and commercial trends
In a nod to global developments, the Congress discussed recent changes in India’s betting regulations. While these are expected to have limited direct impact on national-level competitions in Europe, the ECA flagged the potential for financial implications at the club level and committed to continuous monitoring.
The commercial rise of the T10 format was also acknowledged, despite its current lack of ICC recognition. The Congress agreed to explore T10’s feasibility in 2026 as a potential growth and revenue tool for member federations. Formal recommendations from the Marketing and Competitions Commissions are due in Q1 2026.
By expanding its governance, locking in long-term competition structures, and preparing to introduce both elite club tournaments and new formats, the ECA is positioning itself to lead a more unified, professional, and commercially viable era of European cricket.
