Julian Metherell named as new MCC President

Published - 06 May 2026, 22:19 IST | Updated - 06 May 2026, 23:17 IST

Julian Metherell has been named the new president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), taking over from Ed Smith in October 2026. He led the negotiations in The Hundred equity sale of London Spirit.

Metherell oversaw the MCC's negotiations in the 2025 Hundred equity sale, which allowed private investment into England’s franchise competition. An American consortium, led by Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora, bid approximately £145 million for a 49% stake in London Spirit. Methrell was subsequently named as chair when the franchise was transferred from the ECB to its new owners on October 1, 2025.

"I am deeply honoured to take on the role of MCC President, following in the footsteps of many of my cricketing idols. "I have a long connection with MCC and I have many cherished memories at Lord's," Metherell said in an official statement.

"This is a really exciting time to be involved with MCC, especially as it starts a new era of ownership of a professional cricket team and I am looking forward to driving forward both the Club and London Spirit,” he added.

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Metherell has been an MCC Member for 40 years. He joined the MCC committee for a three-year term after the 2025 Annual General Meeting. He also served as the Non-Executive Chair of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) from 2019 to 2024.

Metherell’s nomination was made by Smith, a testament to the growing influence that the London Spirit has over MCC since the takeover. He starts his tenure on October 1, 2026. His tenure will also oversee the Men’s and Women’s Ashes in 2027.

"During such an exciting period for MCC, I wanted to choose a successor with huge expertise and experience, combined with a deep passion for the game and for the club," Smith said.

"Julian Metherell is a great and trusted friend to cricket and an exceptional candidate. It is with enormous pleasure that I nominate him as the President of MCC from 1 October 2026,” he added.