The former England captain will become the first female President in the Club’s 233-year history.
Her nomination was announced by current President Kumar Sangakkara via video from Sri Lanka. Connor will take up the post on 1 October 2021, pending approval by the Club’s Members, as Sangakkara has been invited to remain in the role for a second twelve-month tenure due to the impact of Covid-19 on the cricketing landscape.
Connor, who is currently the ECB’s Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, was made an Honorary Life Member of MCC in 2009.
Connor said of her appointment: “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 9 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.
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
Be the first to comment