Mark Nicholas to be next MCC President

The former Hampshire captain and renowned cricket broadcaster will replace Stephen Fry in October, becoming the 170th person to lead the Lord's club

Mark Nicholas has been named as the next president of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Incumbent Stephen Fry announced his nomination at the club's annual general meeting on Wednesday (May 3).

Nicholas, who was first elected as a member of MCC in 1981, is one of the most recognisable figures in cricket broadcasting having led coverage of the elite game for more than two decades.

A former Hampshire and England A captain, he enjoyed a 17-year-old playing career as a top-order batter and medium-pace bowler.

Fry (right) replaced Clare Connor last year (Michael Steele/Getty Images)

"You only have to glance at the line of former Presidents of MCC to understand exactly what this honour means and what a privilege it is to receive it," said Nicholas, who begins his tenure on October 1, upon being confirmed.

"I first watched cricket at Lord’s from behind the boundary rope on the outfield. I'll get a smarter seat for a while now but will always wish I was still out there playing.

Fry, who succeeded Clare Connor last year, added: "Mark Nicholas is as deeply steeped in cricket as anyone I know.

"His passionate love of the game allied to his experience as a player, captain and expert analyst will make him a wonderful President of MCC – with one eye on heritage and tradition, and the other on the future development and expansion of the game, to which he has devoted his life."

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