European Cricket Festival Launches in Alfaz del Pi with Mixed-Format Showcase

The European Cricket Network continues its Spanish tour with a return to Alfaz del Pi on the Costa Blanca, where the very first European Cricket Festival (ECF) event will take place between 23 and 28 April 2026.

Matches will be played across Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, creating a spread-out schedule that allows teams to adapt, recover and approach each format with fresh strategy.

This opening festival introduces a new concept to the ECN calendar. Across five matches, hosts Sporting Alfas Cricket Club will face travelling side Montenotte Cricket Club from North London in a unique mixed-format series that blends tradition with innovation.

Two Formats, One Event

The structure of the event marks a significant first for ECN.

The series will begin with three 40-over matches, before transitioning into two T10 matches to close the event. It is the first time an ECN event features multiple formats under one umbrella, and also the first introduction of 40-over cricket into the ECN ecosystem.

This format shift creates an added layer of intrigue. Teams will need to adapt not only to their opponents, but to the demands of different formats within the same series. Squad rotation, tactical planning and in-game decision making will all be tested as sides move from longer, more strategic innings into the fast-paced intensity of T10 cricket.

A Test of Adaptability

The transition from 40-over cricket to T10 presents a unique challenge.

In the longer format, teams have time to build innings, manage partnerships and control the tempo of the game. In contrast, T10 demands immediate impact, aggressive intent and precision under pressure.

How teams approach this shift will be central to the outcome of the series. Selection decisions, batting orders and bowling strategies may all evolve across the five matches as sides look to find the right balance between control and acceleration.

Sporting Alfas vs Montenotte CC

At the heart of the festival is the matchup between Sporting Alfas, one of Spain’s most established clubs, and Montenotte CC, a travelling side from North London.

This pairing reflects the wider purpose of the European Cricket Festivals initiative: to create meaningful connections between cricketing communities across different regions. The event brings together local and international club cricket in a shared environment, combining competition with cultural exchange.

A New Initiative for European Cricket

The European Cricket Festivals represent a new step in the growth of the game across the continent.

Designed to bring communities together through cricket, these events provide a platform for clubs, organisers and players to showcase the sport in multiple formats, including T10, T20 and 40-over cricket. Alongside the on-field action, the initiative aims to increase visibility for the people and organisations driving cricket forward in Europe.

By combining competitive matches with professional live streaming, ECN continues to expand the reach of the game while supporting the communities that sustain it.

Looking Ahead

As the first ball is bowled in Alfaz del Pi, the European Cricket Festival begins a new chapter for ECN.

With a mixed-format structure, international club participation and a focus on community connection, this event sets the tone for what the ECF initiative aims to achieve across Europe.

All matches will be streamed live on the European Cricket Network YouTube channel.