MCC statement: Olympic Stadium for cricket

Date released: 22 October 2009

On Wednesday 21 October an article appeared in the Evening Standard stating that MCC Secretary & Chief Executive Keith Bradshaw supported the use of the Olympic Stadium for cricket after 2012.

Mr Bradshaw has never "backed the idea" but rather has stated he thought it inevitable that discussions would take place on the use of the Olympic Stadium - or any other major venue suitable - for cricket.

Bradshaw: Lord's is unique Bradshaw said: "There is a difference between considering an idea inevitable and lending support to it.

"I believe Lord’s is the best place to watch cricket in the country and I intend to keep it that way irrespective of whether another London ground emerges or not.

"Lord’s may be the biggest ground in the country but MCC is determined to retain its intimate, traditional character even if capacity is increased through development.

"We are a ground and not a stadium, and no one here wants that to change.

"Spectators come to Lord’s for everything from the picnics in the Coronation Garden to the thrill of watching players on the hallowed turf follow in the footsteps of Grace, Bradman and Compton.

"In the face of a potentially massive rival, we would strive to continue to play to our strengths to retain the special atmosphere and attraction of the Home of Cricket.

"We have a unique selling point here at Lord’s and if competition is forthcoming, so be it. We will hit it head on.

"[London Mayor] Boris Johnson says the London Development Agency (LDA) has engaged with the ECB, yet an ECB spokesman was quoted yesterday saying 'It’s the first I’ve heard of it.' I therefore plan to write to the LDA to ascertain exactly what engagement has taken place."