Clare Connor set to become first female MCC president

Clare Connor is set to become the first-ever female president of Marylebone Cricket Club, it was announced on Wednesday (June 24). She will take over from Kumar Sangakkara – who is serving his second term – from October 1 next year after approval from the members.

Connor’s nomination was announced by Sangakkara, who is the first overseas president of the club. “I am deeply honoured to be named the next President of MCC. Cricket has enriched my life so deeply already, and now it hands me this wonderful privilege,” she said. “We often need to look back to see how far we’ve come. I made my first visit to Lord’s as a starry-eyed, cricket-obsessed nine-year-old girl at a time when women were not welcome in the Long Room. Times have changed.

“Now I find myself entrusted with this remarkable opportunity – the opportunity to play a part in helping MCC, cricket’s most influential club, to thrive and grow in an even more modern and inclusive future. And as we take small steps to emerge from this uncertain and difficult time, we are going to need the power of sport and strong sporting organisations like MCC more than ever. I really am very proud to have been asked to be its next president.”

Connor, who is currently the ECB’s Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, was made an honorary life member in 2009 and has worked extensively for the betterment of women’s cricket. She has been part of ICC Women’s Cricket Committee since 2011, and was also the director on the board of Sussex Cricket. Connor played 16 Tests, 93 ODIs and two T20Is since making her debut in 1995. She led England Women for six years, powering the side to a historic Ashes win in 2005 – a first in 42 years.

“I am thrilled that Clare has accepted the invitation to become the next President of MCC,” Sangakkara said. “The Club has a significant role to play in cricket’s global appeal and with her influence, I am sure she will make a considerable contribution to MCC. With the extended lead-in time until she takes office, she will have an important part to play as President-Designate.”