MCC apologise and reinstate annual Varsity fixture following backlash

EXCLUSIVE: MCC apologise for axing Eton versus Harrow fixture and annual Varsity clash from Lord’s following backlash… with members asked which ‘minor’ matches should now be ditched in bid to protect the pitches

• Officials triggered outrage when they unceremoniously ditched the fixtures
• Eton v Harrow fixture has been played since 1805 and Varsity match since 1827 
• Furious elements of the club’s membership called for a special general meeting

The MCC will on Tuesday apologise to its members for dropping the Eton versus Harrow fixture without consulting them – and ask them which games should be axed.

Officials triggered considerable outrage when they unceremoniously ditched the annual event last year, along with the Oxford versus Cambridge Varsity clash, in what was widely seen as a fait accompli.

Furious elements of the club’s membership called for a special general meeting and the plans were hastily placed on hold with consultation subsequently agreed upon.

The annual fixture between Eton and Harrow has been played at Lord’s since 1805

The Eton v Harrow fixture has been played since 1805 with the Oxford and Cambridge game first held at Lord’s in 1827 and both will go ahead this year.

In a survey due to go out to the 18,000 members this morning and seen by this newspaper, the MCC say that ‘a period of reflection and review has clearly identified that the lack of consultation was a mistake and upset many members’. They add: ‘It was an error for which we apologise; we now have an opportunity to put it right.’

The letter features a hitlist of vulnerable games, with MCC claiming that the ground is showing signs of wear and tear and should be used for no more than 60 matches to help protect the surface and maintain major match status.

The Oxford and Cambridge game – first held at Lord’s in 1827 – will go ahead this year

Both of the fixtures previously-axed feature, along with 15 other ‘minor’ matches that could be dropped to allow matches designed to be less elitist.

They include the Armed Forces Finals Day, and the finals of both the village and club competitions.

Members are being asked to name the five fixtures most important to them.

There are also a series of questions on the Eton versus Harrow and Oxford versus Cambridge games, with those who disagree with retaining the matches asked to choose from a variety of explanations including which include reputational damage, that they are ‘incompatible with MCC’s commitment to diversity’ and are ‘a threat to the club’s broader cricket strategy and long-term future’.

MCC want to restrict the number of matches played at Lord’s in a bid to protect the pitches

The SGM, demanded in response to the axing of the two matches, was called off at the last minute. Some believe a vote would have gone against the MCC, leaving its committee in a perilous position.

In a move that may raise eyebrows three matches are not at risk. They include a corporate day with sponsors – the financial giant JP Morgan – and separate corporate days each for MCC and Middlesex and their respective sponsors.

Members have until January 30 to respond with results to be shared in February.

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