Clare Connor to be MCC's first female President, to take office from October 2021 pending approval

Kumar Sangakkara, current President and former Sri Lankan skipper, announced Connor’s nomination via video from his country. He has been invited to remain in the role for a second tenure of twelve month due to the impact of COVID-19. As a result, Connor will only take up the post on October 1, 2021, after the approval of the club’s members.

“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,” said Connor, ECB’s Managing Director of Women’s Cricket.

“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.”

A 19-year-old Connor made her debut for England in 1995. She went on to play the Women’s World Cup in 1997 and three years later, took over the reins of the side. She also led England against Australia at Lord’s in 2001 and, four years later, captained the side to their first Ashes win in 42 years – a 1-0 win in 2005.

She soon retired from the game and was then made the Head of Women’s Cricket in 2007 by the ECB. She was made an Honorary Life Member of the MCC in 2009. She then became the Managing Director of Women’s Cricket last year, apart from being the Chair of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee since 2011.

“MCC does wonderful work for communities in the UK and overseas,” said Connor, who has also been on a board of director of Sussex Cricket and Sport England. “It stages the most uplifting events. It brings people together.”

“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.”

Sangakkara, who became MCC’s first non-British President in October 2019, will stand down in September 2021, if his two-year term is approved by members at the AGM.

“I am thrilled that Clare has accepted the invitation to become the next President of MCC,” he 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.”

This AGM was the first in the history of the club to be held on an online platform.