Former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan is set to take on a pivotal role at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) as its new chair of cricket, succeeding ex-England international Claire Taylor, who will step down at the end of September after a six-year tenure.
The decision to appoint Morgan is expected to be confirmed at the MCC’s annual general meeting (AGM) on May 7, subject to the approval of the club’s members, which is largely anticipated to be a formality.
Morgan’s appointment marks a significant shift for the MCC, the governing body that safeguards the laws and spirit of cricket.
Based at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the MCC has a long-standing history of overseeing the sport’s traditions. The 38-year-old Dublin-born cricketer will start his three-year term as chair on October 1, with the possibility of an extension for another three years.
The decision to recruit Morgan comes at a crucial juncture for the MCC, which is undergoing significant changes. Recently, the MCC agreed to sell a 49% stake in the London Spirit franchise, a team participating in The Hundred competition, to a consortium of tech billionaires.
Morgan’s expertise in franchise cricket is expected to prove invaluable, particularly as the club navigates this new era in the sport.
Morgan’s extensive career and leadership credentials are well-established. He captained England to their first-ever 50-over World Cup victory in 2019, a historic win that transformed the country’s limited-overs fortunes.
Known for his innovative leadership and aggressive batting style, Morgan is widely regarded as one of the best white-ball captains in cricket history.
In addition to his achievements on the field, Morgan has shown a keen interest in the broader landscape of cricket. His appointment will allow him to provide input on various pressing issues facing the MCC.
One of the key areas under his purview will be the future of the Eton versus Harrow match, a prestigious fixture that is currently set to remain at Lord’s until at least 2027.
Morgan, who was made an honorary life member of the MCC in 2023, has been an active participant in the club’s activities.
He previously served on the MCC’s world cricket committee, which was revamped earlier this year as part of the establishment of a new global advisory board that includes prominent figures such as International Cricket Council chair Jay Shah.
The MCC’s main committee, which Morgan is set to join, is a key decision-making body responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the club.
In addition to Morgan’s upcoming appointment, the AGM will also include the proposal for Julian Metherell, a partner at financial investment firm MW&L Capital Partners, to join the committee.
Metherell played a key role in the negotiations for the sale of the London Spirit stake, which netted the MCC £145 million.
Morgan’s leadership role within the MCC, coupled with his previous involvement in cricket’s global landscape, positions him as a forward-thinking figure capable of steering the club through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
As cricket continues to evolve with the rise of franchise leagues and new formats, Morgan’s experience is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the MCC’s future strategy and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the sport at Lord’s and beyond.
