Former Sussex captain, Clare Connor CBE set to become first female MCC president

Former Sussex and England captain, Clare Connor CBE will become the first female president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in its 233-year history. 

The 43-year-old, who is currently the ECB's Managing Director of Women's Cricket, will take up her new role on 1 October 2021 - replacing former Sri Lanka captain, Kumar Sangakkara.

Clare, who came to prominence in Sussex while captaining Preston Nomads' under-16 side, also captained our women's side and in 1995, made her England debut as a teenager. 

Following her appointment as the MCC’s first female president, she said: “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.

"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, and has also served as a director on the board of Sussex Cricket and Sport England.

Sangakkara added: “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.”

Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to congratulate Clare on her new role.