• MCC and The Cricketer partner again for Community Cricket Heroes campaign to find and reward 11 unsung grassroots ‘heroes’ of the game
• Nominations are now open and close at 23.59 BST on 4 June 2025
• Winners invited as guests of MCC President Mervyn King at Lord’s in the President’s Suite

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has today launched its Community Cricket Heroes campaign for 2025 to find 11 unsung grassroots cricketing heroes from across the country.

The campaign, now in its third year and run in partnership with The Cricketer magazine, has seen 22 heroes of grassroots cricket welcomed to Lord’s, over two years, as guests of the MCC President to watch a game from the prestigious President’s Suite as well as a special posthumous honour in 2023. 

A panel selected by MCC will be looking for entrants who work hard to make a demonstrable positive difference to their community through grassroots and community cricket, from volunteers who go above and beyond for their cricket club and community, to coaches who are inspiring people on and off the pitch or players that have overcome adversity to play or help the game.

Last year’s winners included Heather Booth di Giovanni, who was selected for the pivotal role she plays with Bristol Afghans CC. During her visit to Lord’s last year, she said: “I have to say, I was astounded, overwhelmed and very emotional.

“To spend a day in the President’s Suite at Lord’s was amazing. There were so many interesting people to speak to, the view of the cricket was fantastic – the whole day was wonderful.”

Another of last year’s winners, Tariq Aslam, a volunteer from Newham who has dedicated half of his life to his club Newham CC said of his experience last year: “To be recognised in this way means we have been seen to be doing something quite special, and it is a reward for all of the hard work that has been done by everyone at Newham CC."

“We do what we do for the love of the game, and it really was a privilege to spend the day at Lord’s.”

This year’s winners will be invited to the President’s Suite at Lord’s as special guests of the MCC President, Lord King, for one of the England v India Women’s ODI, England v South Africa Men’s ODI, or a London Spirit match in The Hundred. 

MCC President Lord King commented: “Grassroots and community cricket are the foundation of our sport, and it's essential for us to support and celebrate these efforts.

“As MCC President and a true advocate for cricket at the grassroots level, I am thrilled to be part of this year’s campaign, and I am eager to hear the inspiring stories of those making a real difference in their local cricket communities.

“It is very important that MCC rewards those who work tirelessly in grassroots cricket, as we continue to ensure that we are working for the good of the game, and I look forward to meeting this year’s winners at Lord’s later this summer.”

Editor of The Cricketer, Huw Turbervill added: “Grassroots and community cricket are so important to our readers and the game they love so much, so it’s been wonderful to be involved in this campaign for a number of years now. Meeting the heroes and seeing the joy on their faces at Lord’s is very special.”  

The closing date for nominations is 23.59 BST on 4 June with the selected MCC Community Cricket Heroes announced shortly after.

To nominate your MCC Community Cricket Hero visit below.