Julian Metherell named next MCC president

At the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)'s 239th Annual General Meeting, Ed Smith will appoint Julian Metherell as the club's next president. On October 1, 2026, he is scheduled to take over the role. Metherell, a 40-year MCC member, recently joined the club's committee and was closely involved in the club's first significant move into franchise cricket. He was in charge of negotiations when the England and Wales Cricket Board sold a 49 percent stake in London Spirit, which is based in Lord's, and now he is in charge of the franchise, which changed ownership last year. Metherell, who has a background in finance, worked for Goldman Sachs for more than a decade, serving as CEO of its investment banking arm in the United Kingdom and later in the energy industry. He has also been the Professional Cricketers' Association's Non-Executive Chair. Metherell said in a statement that it was an honor to take on the role. "It is an immense honor for me to assume the presidency of the MCC, following in the footsteps of many of my favorite cricketers. I have a long history with MCC, and Lord's has given me many fond memories. "I am looking forward to driving forward both the Club and London Spirit." "This is a really exciting time to be involved with MCC, especially as it begins a new era of ownership of a professional cricket team." During Metherell's tenure, Lord's is scheduled to host both men's and women's Ashes Tests in 2027.