Non-cricketing star appointed as MCC's new President

English actor and screenwriter Stephen Fry, on Wednesday, has been appointed as the president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Fry, who has been an ardent cricket supporter, and a patron of the MCC Foundation will take up the role on October 1, 2022. 

The television presenter, poet, and writer, Fry has been a member of MCC since 2011 and was the only second non-cricketer to deliver the MCC Cowdrey Lecture in November 2021. Notably, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first non-cricketing personality to deliver the MCC Cowdrey Lecture in 2008.

The development regarding the post nomination was confirmed by the incumbent President, Clare Connor at Wednesday’s AGM. Fry, thanked Connor for the opportunity and expressed that his nomination is 'truly humbling' and he is looking forward to working with them. 

"I am honored 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," Fry said. 

"I thank Clare for this incredible opportunity and I look forward to supporting her as President-Designate over the summer before commencing my innings in the autumn," he concluded.

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."

The Annual General Meeting, slated at Lord’s on Wednesday was the first to be held in a hybrid concept, where members attended in person on the ground as well as online. For the last two years, the meetings were scheduled solely online due to the Covid-19 restrictions and protocols.