MCC is embarking on its final overseas tour of 2026, as a squad of 13 men’s players departed Lord's this week for Botswana, continuing the Club's long-standing commitment to supporting and promoting cricket around the world.

MCC will take part in a series of fixtures arranged in partnership with the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA), with the opposition formed primarily from the national squad. The matches will provide a valuable opportunity for their players to compete against experienced opposition, while offering MCC Playing Members the chance to experience cricket in a new environment.

All the matches will take place at the BCA Oval in Gaborone, the capital of the country. Most of the action will be in the T20 format, with three of the matches taking place under floodlights.

Cricket in Botswana has a history stretching back more than a century, with records indicating the game was played in communities along the railway line between Mafikeng and Bulawayo during the first half of the 20th century. The BCA was founded in 1979 with the aim of establishing a national league and national representative side, helping to broaden the game's reach across the country.

Since becoming an Associate Member of the ICC in 2005, Botswana has continued to strengthen its presence on the international stage. Development of the game remains a key priority for the BCA, as they aim to attract more players to the game.

The tour represents another opportunity for MCC to support cricket development internationally while strengthening relationships with cricketing nations across the world. It also continues MCC's proud tradition of overseas touring, using cricket as a means of fostering friendship, cultural exchange and the Spirit of Cricket.

As a result, there will be an emphasis on coaching in local schools and clubs to aid the development of the game at grassroots level, with two days dedicated to this on the trip.

Several MCC Playing Members on the tour compete in the professional and recreational game in England, ensuring a competitive squad for the fixtures.

Will Butler, of Cuckney CC in Nottinghamshire, will captain the tour. The batter helped his side win the ECB National Club Championship at Lord’s in 2023 as they defeated Bexley and has played for MCC for over a decade.

Derbyshire batter Harry Came, who can boast over 4,500 professional runs to his name, is included, whilst Lewis Bedford and Andrew Westphal have first-class experience with Durham MCCU and Cardiff MCCU respectively.

Rahul Bhome will serve as Tour Manager, while Anton Saverimuttu will accompany the touring party as Match Umpire.

James Overy, Head of Cricket Projects at MCC, said: "Tours to emerging cricket nations are an important part of MCC's overseas programme. Botswana has made significant strides in developing the game, and this tour provides an excellent opportunity for local players to test themselves against a strong MCC side. 

“We are grateful for the hospitality of Botswana Cricket Association and look forward to building on the strong relationship between our organisations, while sharing the values of the Spirit of Cricket throughout the tour."

The squad for the tour is:

William Butler (c) (Cuckney CC)

Jahansher Akbar (Wanstead and Snaresbrook CC)

Lewis Bedford (Cranleigh CC)

Jason Benn (Bickley Park CC)

Harvey Booth (Dulwich CC)

Harry Came (Derbyshire CCC)

William Hilton (St Lawrence and Highland Court CC)

Daniel Hogan (Pembroke CC)

James Meggitt (Cardiff CC)

Harry Phillips (Brentwood CC)

Henry Sims (St.James's Montefiore CC)

William Street (Didsbury CC)

Andrew Westphal (East Molesey CC)

Tour Officials

Rahul Bhome (Tour Manager)

Anton Saverimuttu (Umpire)

Fixtures

Wednesday 7 October
Botswana v MCC
x2 T20 Matches (including D/N match)

Saturday 10 October
Botswana v MCC
x2 T20 Matches (including D/N match)

Monday 12 October
Botswana v MCC
T20 Match

Wednesday 14 October
Botswana v MCC
50-over Match

Thursday 15 October
Botswana v MCC
T20 Match (D/N)

Friday 16 October
Botswana v MCC
x2 T20 Matches