MCC confirms Wormsley as new partner venue for pilot programme from 2026

Marybelone Cricket Club (MCC) has today confirmed that from the 2026 season, Wormsley will become its partner venue. hosting cricket for the Club for an initial two-year period.

The pilot programme, covering the 2026 and 2027 seasons, will see MCC hire Wormsley Cricket Ground in Stockenchurch, near High Wycombe. The potential usage includes men's and women's MCC matches. Middlesex first and second team men's matches, Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup fixtures, MCC Foundation activity, Disability cricket, commercial match days and to provide a possible training base for London Spirit, amongst a variety of other cricket activites.

The partnership is aligned to MCC's strategic objectives, and unlocks several clear benefits:

• protecting Lord's infrastruture and pitches

• securing continuity for teams and matches which might otherwise have to source alternative venues when Lord's is unavailable

• creating new revenue-generating opportunities

• providing more cricket for MCC Members to enjoy

• providing future growth potential if the pilot is succesful

• working for the good of the game

Wormsley's new status as a strategic partner venue for the pilot seasons of 2026 and 2027 will enable MCC to learn, optimise operatons, and explore the full opportunity of what this partnership can provide beyond the next two seasons.

The pilot programme is being supported by Chris St. George, who is Chair of the Sir Paul Getty Cricket Committee as well as being a Member of MCC.

Rob Lynch, MCC Director of Cricket & Operations, said:

"Lord's is the most in-demand cricket ground in the world. That is a privilege but it also creates a genuine operational challenge for us. This partnership with Wormsley is a proactive, strategic solution. It helps protect Lord's pitches, gives our Members more access to top-class cricket in a unique setting, and allows us to continue to serve the whole game. Crucially, it also gives us the space to innovate. These pilot years will allow us to learn, scale and ultimately expand MCC's impact more sustainably."

Wormsley's new status as a strategic partner venue for the pilot seasons of 2026 and 2027 will enable MCC to learn, optimise operatons, and explore the full opportunity of what this partnership can provide beyond the next two seasons.

Mark Getty said:

"This new partnership with MCC fits perfectly with my family's vision and strategy for Wormsley, which is that, as well as being our home, Wormsley should be recognised for its associations with the very best in Sport and the Performing Arts. We are thrilled to have concluded this exciting new relationship with MCC and we look forward to bringing everything we can to the fulfilment of the future potential that both we and the MCC can see."