The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced the formation of a new global advisory board aimed at securing cricket’s future success. This initiative was born from the World Cricket Connects forum convened by the MCC at Lord's in 2024. The advisory board will serve as a "leading symposium" in the sport, primarily conducting its meetings virtually. The board brings together some of the most eminent figures in cricket, including former international captains and influential administrators, with the goal of guiding the sport through its evolving landscape.
Kumar Sangakkara, former Sri Lanka captain and the first non-British individual to serve as MCC president from October 2019 to September 2021, will chair the advisory board. His leadership aims to foster innovative strategies and insights that will benefit cricket globally. Joining him are former England captain Sir Andrew Strauss, South African legend Graeme Smith, and current England women's captain Heather Knight, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
In a significant move, Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and former secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has also joined the advisory board. Shah is recognized as one of the most influential figures in the cricketing world, and his involvement highlights the board’s ambition to influence major decisions impacting the sport.
The MCC, based at Lord's which it owns, has long been regarded as the custodian and arbiter of cricket's laws and spirit. Since its establishment in 2006, the MCC World Cricket Committee has played an advisory role without formal power but has been instrumental in addressing significant issues within the sport. The formation of this new advisory board represents a step forward in formalizing expert advice on cricket's future development.
"We have assembled an impressive group of the best minds in cricket across several different areas relevant to our sport." – Mark Nicholas
The inclusion of these distinguished members is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and varied expertise to discussions about cricket’s evolution. The advisory board is poised to tackle challenges and opportunities facing the sport, ensuring that cricket remains vibrant and competitive on the global stage.
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