MCC names first female president

Clare Connor has been nominated as the first woman president in the 233-year history of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

The current managing director of women's cricket for the England and Wales Cricket Board will take over from Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara in October 2021.

The MCC was responsible for running English cricket until 1993 and retains an important role within the sport, particularly in coaching and setting the laws of the game. It also owns Lord's Cricket Ground.

As a former England captain, Connor says she is 'deeply honoured' to be considered for the role. "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 9 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."