Ed Smith, the newly appointed president of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has made a bold statement about the potential of sport in today’s society. Reflecting on his long career in cricket, Smith admits he’s had moments of doubt about his focus on sport, wondering if he should be doing something else with his life. But over the past 15 years, he says, sport has become more important than ever — especially in helping to bring people together and offering a sense of community.
Smith’s latest role, president of the prestigious MCC, is often viewed as a ceremonial post. His predecessors include high-profile figures such as the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and many other influential personalities. While the role may seem more symbolic than practical, Smith is determined to steer the MCC into the future, using the institution’s power to broaden its appeal and make the game of cricket more accessible to all.
As president, Smith’s mandate is clear: make Lord’s more inclusive and relevant in the modern world. The upcoming years are crucial, with key developments that could change the face of English cricket. There are two major initiatives on the horizon that could define his tenure.
First is the financial success of the Hundred, a competition co-owned by MCC. The London Spirit franchise, valued at an astonishing £295 million, has shown the world the financial power of Lord’s and its central role in the modern structure of English cricket. The sale of equity in the Hundred has proven how important the legacy of Lord’s is, not just to the sport itself, but to its continued growth.
On the other side of the spectrum, Smith is passionate about grassroots cricket. The launch of the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup, a new competition aimed at state schools, will culminate in a Finals Day at Lord’s. The competition has already seen an impressive turnout, with 1,084 teams from 750 schools signing up. This is a major step forward in making cricket accessible to young people across the country, and Smith is keen to see it succeed.
A Focus on Access: Lord’s as a Force for Good
In a recent interview, Smith shared his excitement about the opportunities his new role presents, particularly the chance to use Lord’s “brand power” to help widen access to cricket. He doesn’t like to use the term “brand,” but he is eager to use Lord’s reputation and influence to benefit the game at all levels. “I would love for us to use the power of Lord’s to do something good and broaden access to cricket,” he said.
While Smith acknowledges the importance of networking and engaging with the high-profile personalities who attend matches at Lord’s, he is focused on doing more than just rubbing shoulders with the elite. He views his role as an ambassador for the club, helping to bridge the gap between the traditional exclusivity of MCC and the modern, inclusive vision he holds.
The role of president might seem largely symbolic, but Smith sees it as an opportunity to be an “executor of MCC’s soft power.” Engaging with people in the tech world, especially those who invested £145 million in London Spirit, is a key part of his strategy. But it’s clear that his real passion lies in making cricket more inclusive and ensuring that projects like the Knight-Stokes Cup succeed.
A Personal Connection to Grassroots Cricket
Smith’s dedication to grassroots cricket comes from a personal place. He comes from a family of teachers, with both of his grandfathers serving as headteachers at state schools. This influence is evident in his commitment to supporting the Knight-Stokes Cup, which is designed to bring cricket to the next generation of players from state schools. The competition has already made waves, with thousands of young players taking part in regional qualifiers.
Smith is also mindful of the challenges that modern education systems face, including the pressures on teachers and the distractions of social media. He sees sport, particularly cricket, as a way to bring students together and teach them important values like teamwork, discipline, and focus. “Sport is one of the best ways for people to come together as a community,” he explains.
Despite his enthusiasm, Smith is aware that the Knight-Stokes Cup is just one part of the solution. “No one believes this is the only answer,” he says, acknowledging that more must be done by schools, counties, and other stakeholders to truly transform the game. However, he’s optimistic about the future and fully committed to supporting the initiative during his presidency.
A New Era for Lord’s and English Cricket?
As Ed Smith takes on his new role, he’s mindful of the long-standing issues facing English cricket, including the challenge of making the game more inclusive. One of the key criticisms levelled at the MCC in recent years has been its image of elitism and exclusivity. Smith doesn’t shy away from the fact that the club has work to do to shed this reputation. However, he points to the work done by the Chance to Shine charity, co-founded by MCC leaders such as Mark Nicholas, as an example of the club’s commitment to grassroots cricket. This initiative has brought cricket back into hundreds of schools and introduced millions of children to the sport.
Smith is also excited about other aspects of his role, including the upcoming Hundred auction in March, which will shape the future of the competition. However, he’s quick to defer to the expertise of others, particularly those in charge of recruitment and team selection at London Spirit. “I’ve got a lot on my plate,” Smith says, “but in a good organisation, you want people to be given clear authority and role clarity.”