The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) discussion

[MenInG]

Kumar Sangakkara will be the next President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The former Sri Lankan international will take up the post on 1st October 2019 and will serve for a period of one year. He will become the first non-British President.

His nomination was announced by the current President, Anthony Wreford, at the MCC Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 1st May 2019, held at Lord’s.

Sangakkara is already heavily involved with MCC and delivered a powerful and memorable MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture in 2011. In 2012, he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Club. In the same year, he joined MCC’s World Cricket committee and remains an active member.

His connections with MCC go back a long way: he played against the Club in 2002, opening the batting for the touring Sri Lankans in a first-class match at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. He also played for MCC against an International XI at Lord’s in the 2005 Tsunami Relief Match. Proceeds from that match were used by the Foundation of Goodness to set up the MCC Centre of Excellence at Seenigama in Sri Lanka.

Kumar Sangakkara said: “It is a huge honour to be named the next President of MCC and it is a role that I am thoroughly looking forward to. For me, MCC is the greatest cricket club in the world, with its global reach and continued progress for cricket on and off the pitch. The year 2020 is going to be yet another significant one in cricket, especially at Lord’s, and I am thrilled that I am going to be able to play a part in supporting its future as President of MCC.”

Sangakkara appears twice on the Honours Boards at Lord’s, with both innings coming in 2014. He hit 147 in the Test Match draw with England, and 112 in Sri Lanka’s One-Day International victory over the same opposition.

Sangakkara’s year of office will begin on 1st October 2019 and will conclude on 30th September 2020. His tenure will include another busy year at Lord’s next summer, with two England Test Matches against West Indies and Pakistan and the launch of The Hundred competition.
MCC President, Anthony Wreford said: “As MCC looks to broaden both our horizons and international reputation, I’m delighted that Kumar has accepted the invitation, which he did in January this year, to be the next President of MCC. He is an outstanding individual both on and off the field and will make a huge contribution to the Club. In a World Cup and Ashes year he will also have a significant role to play as President Designate.”

[topspin]

Great move. A very charismatic and knowledgeable great of the game. I've always enjoyed listening to his lectures.

Pakistani players could learn a thing or two from his career, rather than following a toxic individual like Inzy.

[malcom_86]

Pakistani players could learn a thing or two from his career, rather than following a toxic individual like Inzy.

Was this really necessary?

[topspin]

Was this really necessary?

It sure is, when you look at how Pakistani players carry themselves and their chosen role models, that is part of the reason why Pakistan cricket is no longer producing legendary/great calibre players anymore.

[Junaids]

He is marvellous, but surely the MCC should have reviewed the events of the final day of the 2011 England v Sri Lanka Test at Cardiff.

I would be very reluctant to place any of those Sri Lankan players in any position of authority, because that scorecard can simply never be explained away.

[KyoOne]

He is marvellous, but surely the MCC should have reviewed the events of the final day of the 2011 England v Sri Lanka Test at Cardiff.

I would be very reluctant to place any of those Sri Lankan players in any position of authority, because that scorecard can simply never be explained away.

What is ICC's ACU for if MCC has to review dubious test collapses?

[MenInG]

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara feels one can expect a "close competition" and "great cricket" in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019.

Sangakkara, 41, who is soon to take over as the first non-British president of the Marylebone Cricket Club, is excited about the marquee tournament, which begins on 30 May.

"I have a feeling this World Cup will be one of the best ever tournaments," he told Hindustan Times. "There will be close competition and I am sure we can look forward to some great cricket. The fans will enjoy it. It will be a great occasion for the sport and I am really excited."

Sangakkara is pleased with the way new teams are entering international cricket and believes it bodes well for the growth of the game. "I think the ICC has been doing a very good job in terms of trying to spread the game and more importantly in terms of bringing new teams to the framework. MCC does it in a unique way and has planned to tie up and bring in exciting new countries."

The dashing left-hander, who represented Sri Lanka in four World Cups, also added that while cricket is growing, it is also important for the governing bodies to ensure there is no overload.

"It should be looked at how home boards do their scheduling. It has got more to do with the ICC to balance out the Future Tours Programme. There has to be adequate break between tours ensuring rehabilitation is done in a proper manner.

"There’s lot of international cricket and lot of domestic leagues taking place at the moment. They have to work with the home boards to balance things, not only for players and boards but even for spectators."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1206704

[MenInG]

One of the all-time legends of cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, today takes up his role as President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
The former Sri Lankan international is the first non-British President of MCC and will hold the post for one year.
His nomination was announced by the outgoing President, Anthony Wreford, at the MCC Annual General Meeting at Lord’s in May this year.

Kumar Sangakkara said: “I am thrilled to hold the prestigious position of MCC President and I look forward to working hard with the MCC to build on this incredible year of cricket. We have an opportunity to convert more supporters to the game we love and educate them about the fantastic work MCC does locally, nationally and globally for cricket and those communities.”

Sangakkara has a long association with MCC. He played against the Club in 2002, opening the batting for the touring Sri Lankans in a first-class match at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. He also played for MCC against an International XI at Lord’s in the 2005 Tsunami Relief Match. Proceeds from that match were used by the Foundation of Goodness to set up the MCC Centre of Excellence at Seenigama in Sri Lanka.

He delivered a powerful and memorable MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture in 2011. In 2012, he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Club. In the same year, he joined MCC’s World Cricket committee and remains an active member.

Guy Lavender, MCC Chief Executive & Secretary said: “We are delighted that Kumar is taking up his position today and it is with great thanks to Anthony Wreford for choosing our first international President. Anthony has been a superb President over an exceptionally busy period and in partnership with his wife Marian Wreford, they have made a fantastic contribution to the Club over a pivotal year. I have no doubt that Kumar will be an outstanding successor and will help shape our Club and vision moving forward.”

Outgoing MCC President Anthony Wreford said: “There is no better person than Kumar Sangakkara to take on the role of MCC President over the next twelve months. He strongly believes in the power of cricket to engage communities and he will be a pivotal ambassador for the important work that MCC does, including reaffirming its international reputation this summer by staging five ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup matches including that magical final. Kumar will be able to make a continued impact not only at Lord’s, but on the Club’s global status. His worldwide appeal as MCC’s first non-British President, will enable him to have a positive effect in this area. I leave the role in very safe hands.”

Sangakkara’s tenure as MCC President will include another busy year at Lord’s next summer, with two England Test Matches against West Indies and Pakistan, a One-Day International between England and Australia, and the launch of The Hundred competition

[MenInG]

The Committee of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has today announced its intention to offer the Club’s President, Kumar Sangakkara, a further year in the role.

The disruption to the global cricketing landscape caused by the outbreak of Covid-19 Coronavirus has led the Committee to recommend that Sangakkara, who began his term of office on 1 October 2019, be invited to serve as President of the Club until 30 September 2021.

The motion will need to be approved by the Club’s Members at the Annual General Meeting, which has been rescheduled to 24 June.
As is traditionally the case, the MCC President will name their successor at the Club’s Annual General Meeting. Sangakkara’s successor can expect to take up the post on 1 October 2021, again pending approval.

Whilst Presidents of MCC only normally serve for a twelve-month period, it is not unprecedented for longer terms to be introduced to respond to extraordinary circumstances. During the First and Second World Wars, Lord Hawke (1914-18) and Stanley Christopherson (1939-45) served for longer periods.

Former Sri Lankan international Sangakkara became the first non-British President in the history of MCC when he was nominated by outgoing President Anthony Wreford last year.

Sangakkara was already heavily involved with MCC and delivered a powerful and memorable MCC Cowdrey Lecture in 2011. He was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Club in 2012 and joined MCC’s World Cricket committee the same year, and remains an active member.

In February 2020, he captained MCC on a seminal tour of Pakistan – the Club’s first tour to the country since 1973. The aim of the visit was to encourage international teams to visit Pakistan once again, following a decade in which the country was starved of international cricket as a result an attack targeting the team bus of the Sri Lankan tour squad, who included Sangakkara amongst their number.

[Bezli]

Sachin was eyeing for this role but I guess MCC wanted a match winner not a “great stats”

[SensiblePakFan]

The Committee of MCC has announced its intention to offer the Club’s President, Kumar Sangakkara, a further year in the role. Sangakkara became the first non-British President in the history of MCC when he was nominated by outgoing President Anthony Wreford last year #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) May 6, 2020

[MenInG]

Clare Connor CBE has been named as the next President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), with the appointment having been announced at today’s Annual General Meeting.

The former England captain will become the first female President in the Club’s 233-year history.

Her nomination was announced by current President Kumar Sangakkara via video from Sri Lanka. Connor will take up the post on 1 October 2021, pending approval by the Club’s Members, as Sangakkara has been invited to remain in the role for a second twelve-month tenure due to the impact of Covid-19 on the cricketing landscape.

Connor, who is currently the ECB’s Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, was made an Honorary Life Member of MCC in 2009.

Connor said of her appointment: “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. 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.

“MCC does wonderful work for communities in the UK and overseas. 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.”

Clare made her England debut in 1995 at the age of 19, and took over the captaincy in 2000, leading England at Lord’s against Australia a year later. An all-rounder who bowled left-arm spin, Connor led England women to their first Ashes triumph in 42 years, overseeing a 1-0 series win in 2005.

The Ashes win was the culmination of her six-year stint as captain of her country, retiring from the game shortly thereafter. She was appointed as the ECB’s Head of Women’s Cricket in 2007, having previously taught English Literature and been Head of PR at Brighton College alongside her cricketing career. Clare’s role at ECB expanded last year when she was made Managing Director of the women’s game. Aside from her ECB duties, Clare has been Chair of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee since 2011. She has also served as a director on the board of Sussex Cricket and Sport England.

If Sangakkara’s two-year term is approved by Members at the AGM, Connor’s tenure will begin on 1 October 2021, and will conclude on 30 September 2022. Former Sri Lankan international Sangakkara, who became the Club’s first non-British President when he assumed office in October 2019, will then stand down in September 2021.

Sangakkara said: “I am thrilled that Clare has accepted the invitation to become the next President of MCC. 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.”

Today’s AGM was the first in the Club’s history be held via an online platform, as Lord’s remains closed to its Members and the public due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

[MenInG]

Brown is to be its sixth Club Chairman, subject to the approval by MCC Members at the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

Mr Carnegie-Brown, who is currently Chairman of Lloyd’s of London and Vice Chairman of Santander Banking Group will succeed Gerald Corbett, whose maximum six years in office will end on 30 September 2021.

Mr Carnegie-Brown has been a Full Member of MCC since 1997 and joined the Club’s Finance committee in October 2019. Along with a life-long passion for the game, he brings a wealth of executive and board-level experience to the role. He has previously held senior positions at 3i Group plc, Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc, J.P. Morgan & Company and Bank of America. He is currently Chairman of Lloyd’s of London, Vice Chairman and Lead Independent Director of Banco Santander SA and a Non-Executive Director of Santander UK plc.

On confirmation of his selection, Mr Carnegie-Brown said: “It is a huge privilege to be proposed to Members as the next Club Chairman. Notwithstanding the extraordinary challenges of this year, our Club has proven to be very resilient and is well placed for the return of Members and visitors to Lord’s as soon as this is permitted. I look forward to meeting Members of the Club and to earning their trust and support”.

Robert Leigh, MCC Trustee and former Treasurer, who led the selection process said: “We conducted a thorough assessment and interview process with the help of executive search consulting firm, Spencer Stuart, and involving the Trustees, the Treasurer, Chairs of Principal Committees and elected members of the MCC Committee. From the many excellent applicants, it became clear to all of us that Mr Carnegie-Brown will be an outstanding Club Chairman. He brings a wealth of board-level experience from various organisations across banking, finance, arts and the charity sector that will be of great benefit to us all. We look forward to welcoming him to the position in 2021”.

Current MCC Chairman, Gerald Corbett, said: “I think Bruce will be a fantastic Chairman and I’m looking forward to working closely with him to ensure an orderly handover at the end of the committee year in September”.

As Chairman of MCC, he will work closely with Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender to ensure the Committee’s effective operation. Mr Carnegie-Brown will be joining the Committee next October after an unprecedented and uncertain 18 months. He will help to steer the Club through what is hoped to be the aftermath of the global pandemic, with a focus on working with the MCC Committee to develop and deliver its mid- to long-term objectives and vision for the future.

Mr Carnegie-Brown will become the sixth person to hold the post following its creation in 2000. Sir Michael Jenkins (2000-2001), Lord Alexander of Weedon (2001-2004), Charles Fry (2004-2009), Oliver Stocken (2009-2015) and Gerald Corbett (2015-2021) are his predecessors. The Club’s Rules stipulate that the Club Chairman can serve a maximum of two three-year periods. As with all non-executive roles at MCC, the position of Club Chairman is not remunerate

[MenInG]

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) President and Sri Lankan cricket great, Kumar Sangakkara, officially opened the new £53 million Compton and Edrich stands at Lord’s Cricket Ground today, in front of the first full crowds for a Test match at Lord’s since 2019.

Sangakkara declared the stands officially open by cutting the ribbon of MCC colours, scarlet and gold, accompanied by MCC Chairman Gerald Corbett, MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender, and members of the project team who made the completion of the redevelopment possible during the past 18 months and the challenges raised by the pandemic.

Those present also included two generations of the Compton and Edrich families, after whom the stands are named: Nick and Ben Compton, both cricketers and grandsons of the late Denis Compton, and Justin Edrich, son of Bill Edrich, along with his daughter Alix, and Bill’s niece, Jean attended the opening ceremony. The late Denis Compton and Bill Edrich entertained thousands of spectators during their careers, and their contribution to the history of Lord’s will continue to inspire visitors to the Home of Cricket through the stands.

The redeveloped Compton and Edrich stands, designed by double RIBA Stirling Prize winners WilkinsonEyre and constructed by ISG and engineered by global engineering consultancy Buro Happold, have replaced the old structures with significantly improved facilities that will future proof the Home of Cricket, while complementing the unique character of the Ground.

The spectacular and innovative stands accommodate 11,600 spectators and provide an experience to be enjoyed by a range of cricket supporters. Ticket holders will benefit from the numerous integrated catering and washroom facilities located in close proximity to seats at all levels, ensuring minimal time away from the cricket action on the Ground while providing excellent sightlines and unparalleled views of Lord’s. The stands have greatly improved accessibility with wheelchair-accessible spaces, amenity seating and lift access at all levels. Debenture Holder level seating on the second tier boasts two magnificent pitch-facing restaurants, Compton’s and The Edrich, the latter of which is run by Michelin-starred chef, Tommy Banks for international matches, as well as two exquisite hospitality suites. The stands also include a new shop at ground level.

A walkway bridge links the two stands, offering beautiful views of both the Main Ground and the iconic Pavilion, and the Nursery Ground and beyond overlooking St John’s Wood Church Gardens. Completing the new stands are two state-of-the-art canopy roofs which honours the design of the RIBA Stirling prize-winning J.P. Morgan Media Centre by architect, the late Jan Kaplicky.

Some of the project’s statistics, include:

7,000m³ of material has been excavated from the site in demolishing the old stands.
2,000 tonnes of steel has been installed to create the superstructure now in place.
1,300 separate pieces of pre-cast concrete form the terracing of the three tiers, standing at 24 metres high, which offer unparalleled views of the hallowed turf and iconic Grade II* listed Pavilion.
The majority of the 11,600 seats fitted have been re-used from the previous stands to mitigate waste, and they all offer unrestricted views of the playing area.
The stands offer an additional 2,600 seats, increasing the Ground’s capacity to 31,600.

MCC President Kumar Sangakkara, said: “I am incredibly proud to have the honour of opening these magnificent new stands. One of the key focuses during my tenure as President was the development of Lord’s as a leading venue in world cricket, and it’s an incredible moment to see this ambition achieved and full of life with cricket supporters enjoying the stands.

“It’s wonderful that we are joined by family members of the great Denis Compton and Bill Edrich for this memorable occasion, two fantastic players and characters of the game who were a joy to watch. Their entertaining presence will be remembered through these stands for years to come and will no doubt be accompanied by many more historic moments on the field at Lord’s.”

MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender, said: “It’s been excellent to see the progress of the redevelopment over the past two years. In what has been a challenging time for everybody, finally opening these stands fully to be enjoyed by cricket supporters for this Test match is a significant moment.

“There has been an incredible amount of hard work to achieve this milestone and I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in this project, which has truly been a team effort.”

[MenInG]

Stephen Fry has been named as the next President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), with the appointment having been announced at today’s Annual General Meeting.

His nomination was announced by current President Clare Connor at Lord’s and Fry will take up the post on 1 October 2022.

Fry is a lifelong cricket supporter, a patron of the MCC Foundation, and delivered the MCC Cowdrey Lecture last year.

He said of his appointment: “I am honoured and proud to be nominated as the next President of MCC. It is a Club that is known throughout the world for what it represents in the game and to be gifted the opportunity to perform this role is truly humbling.

“I thank Clare for this incredible opportunity and I look forward to supporting her as President Designate over the summer before commencing my own innings in the autumn.”

Fry is an English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter and film director. He is also an advocate for mental health and has been President of Mind, the mental health charity, for over a decade.

An MCC Member since 2011, he is widely known to be a lover of cricket and delivered the 20th MCC Cowdrey Lecture in November 2021. As only the second non-cricketing personality to give the Lecture, his impassioned speech was both powerful and memorable.

Fry has also worked with MCC previously to narrate a series of videos to help explain aspects of the Laws of Cricket for use on MCC’s elearning platforms.

MCC President Clare Connor said: “I am thrilled to be able to announce Stephen as my successor. He has a deep love and care for cricket and will be a wonderful ambassador for MCC. The Cowdrey Lecture he delivered last year was inspiring and showed the extent to which he understands the challenges and opportunities that both MCC and cricket face. He will bring a wealth of experience to the role and I hope he thoroughly enjoys his year.”

Today’s Annual General Meeting at Lord’s was the first to be held in a hybrid format, with Members attending in person at the Ground as well as online. This follows the previous two years where meetings were held solely online due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

[James]

Stephen is a true scholar of the game.

Good appointment.

[MenInG]

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has today announced the addition of three new Members to its World Cricket committee (WCC), which will be meeting next week in Dubai for the first time this year.

Clare Connor, Justin Langer, and Graeme Smith have joined the WCC, which is an independent body comprised of current and former international cricketers, umpires, and officials from across the world.

Former MCC President Connor was part of WCC discussions during her time in office at Lord’s and has now joined the WCC on a permanent basis. The former England captain, who led her country to a first women’s Ashes triumph in 42 years in 2005, has most recently been acting as interim Chief Executive at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and previously, Managing Director of women’s cricket.

Langer, an opening batter who played over 100 Tests for Australia in one of the great sides of the modern era, was Head Coach of the men’s team from 2018 until 2022 and led the side to retain the Ashes in a memorable series in England in 2019. Australia won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup under his guidance in 2021, before going on to defeat England in the Ashes on home soil.

Another opener who enjoyed more than a century of Tests for his country, Smith became South Africa’s youngest captain when he was handed the role at the age of 22. He was appointed South Africa’s Director of Cricket shortly after he retired from the game in 2014, and last year became Commissioner of the SA20, a league which has been enjoying early success in its inaugural tournament this year.

The upcoming WCC meeting takes place on Sunday 12 and Monday 13 February at the ICC headquarters in Dubai. Some of the key topics which will be discussed include what the game will look like across the next decade, including wealth distribution and playing schedules.

Following the conclusion of the last meeting, held at Lord’s in July, Tim May and Vince van der Bijl both stepped down from the committee, having served for the maximum length of time. MCC would like to put on record their thanks and gratitude to Tim and Vince for their commitment to the WCC throughout their lengthy tenures and look forward to welcoming them back to Lord’s soon.

These are the first new additions to the WCC since 2020 when Sir Alastair Cook and Ricky Skerritt were added. Brendon McCullum and Ricky Ponting have since stepped down from the committee due to other commitments, whilst Shane Warne was a valued member of the WCC at the time of his tragic passing last year.

Chair of the MCC World Cricket committee Mike Gatting said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to welcome Clare, Justin, and Graeme to the World Cricket committee. It is fantastic news that they have accepted our invitations.

“All three will bring different insights to the game and their deep knowledge from the elite level will be hugely advantageous to the work of the committee. I am looking forward to hearing their contributions to the important discussions that we have planned.”


The full list of committee members is as follows:

Mike Gatting - Chair
Jamie Cox – MCC Director (Cricket & Operations)
Suzie Bates
Clare Connor
Sir Alastair Cook
Kumar Dharmasena
Sourav Ganguly
Justin Langer
Ramiz Raja
Kumar Sangakkara
Graeme Smith
Ricky Skerritt

[MenInG]

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is delighted to announce that Nepal’s Aasif Sheikh is the recipient of the 2022 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award.

Wicketkeeper-batter Aasif has been recognised with this award, which the Club runs in conjunction with BBC, for his sporting conduct shown in a Men’s T20 International between Nepal and Ireland in February 2022.

The match in Al-Almerat, part of the Oman Quadrangular T20I Series, saw Aasif refuse to run out Ireland’s Andy McBrine, who was accidentally upended by bowler Kamal Airee when attempting a run in the 19th over of the Irish innings.

Kamal, bowling to Mark Adair, fielded off his own bowling and Aasif received the throw cleanly but opted not to remove the bails and run out McBrine, despite having plenty of time to do so until the batter was to make his ground at the striker’s end. The move was supported by Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane at the time who immediately shook McBrine’s hand in the aftermath.

The video clip of the incident has been viewed over 1.4 million times on YouTube (here) and was shared widely on social media, amassing millions of views worldwide in the days after the match.

The CMJ Spirit of Cricket Award was created in 2013 by MCC and the BBC in memory of former MCC President and BBC Test Match Special commentator Christopher Martin-Jenkins (“CMJ”), who was passionate about promoting the spirit of the game. For the first time in its history, MCC and BBC invited public nominations for the award in December 2022 and Aasif Sheikh’s conduct for Nepal was adjudged to be the winning entry.

Aasif Sheikh said of the award: “This feels surreal. The CMJ Spirit of Cricket Award is an honour and to receive it, I am simply grateful.

“My parents raised me to be humble and kind in all contexts, my coaches taught me what true team play is and my teammates who keep encouraging me to do my best are equally a part of this success.

“Regardless of the result, we always strive to play fairly, respect everyone on and off the field, and give it our all.

“The moment itself was a spontaneous decision on my/our part not to take the wicket because it would have been unfair to the opponent. We wouldn't be pleased if our team had got the wicket in that manner, since it would be against our culture and the spirit of sportsmanship.

“They say that cricket is a game of gentlemen and I believe the Spirit of Cricket Award truly signifies that. Thank you MCC.”

MCC and BBC also highly commended two other individuals who were nominated during the process. England white-ball captain Jos Buttler refused to appeal for obstructing the field when Australia’s Matthew Wade top-edged a Mark Wood delivery, with the batter blocking the bowler’s attempt to make the catch in the Men’s T20I between the teams in Perth in October 2022.

Ben Stokes has also been commended for his captaincy of the England Men’s Test team, for playing attacking and entertaining cricket. Stokes donating his match fees from the Pakistan series to the country’s flood appeal and ensuring young newcomer Rehan Ahmed featured prominently in the trophy presentation were two of the factors as to why he was nominated.

Jamie Cox, Director of Cricket and Operations, said: “We were thrilled to be able to throw this important award open to public nominations in 2022 and it was no surprise that Aasif Sheikh’s act of selflessness was amongst the entries.

“For a young player, and indeed captain, to display an act of sportsmanship such as this in a form of cricket where every single run can make a difference is exactly why we talk about the spirit of the game, and this award is thoroughly deserved.

Jonathan Agnew, BBC Cricket correspondent, said: “Our much-missed colleague CMJ would absolutely have approved of the actions of Aasif Sheikh. Christopher believed that of course you play to win, but it as important you play the game in the right way.

“It is also good to see the two captains of the England men’s teams Jos and Ben commended, as they are setting a brilliant example to young cricketers”

Aasif Sheikh will be officially presented with the CMJ Spirit of Cricket Award later this year. He was also awarded the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for his actions in January of this year.