Rishi Sunak delivers 2026 MCC Cowdrey Lecture

Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and MP for Richmond and Northallerton, delivered the 24th edition of Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday 17 September 2026.

Sunak was the third non-cricketer to deliver the lecture in its usual format, following Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2008 and Stephen Fry in 2021.

MCC Members and special guests, including members of the Cowdrey family, were among the audience for the evening, while viewers also tuned into a live stream of the lecture, broadcast on the Lord’s YouTube channel.

Sunak used his lecture to argue that cricket can be a powerful force for national unity, saying: “We can’t just live side by side – we must live together. That means playing together too,” and warned that Britian’s successful multi-ethnic democracy is “under real threat.”
 
He called for cricket to become “a truly national game”, urging renewed backing for access programmes and cricket domes, so that “every child in every playground” can imagine playing for England.

Reflecting on his lifelong passion for the game and the many memories it has given him, Sunak spoke of his affection for cricket, saying: “I can’t speak to you this evening with the authority of a former player, but I can speak with the love of a lifelong fan.” He went on to recall his first experience of watching Hampshire at the County Ground, playing cricket with the England team in the Downing Street garden and taking his eldest daughter to the Women’s T20 World Cup Final at Lord’s.

Ed Smith, MCC President, said: “Rishi has long been a passionate cricket supporter, and his thoughtful perspective made for a fascinating MCC Cowdrey Lecture.

“He offered a unique insight into the role of cricket within national life and how the sport can act as a bridge that brings people together. His reflections on how cricket can be a truly national game, that every kid can play and every person can benefit from was truly heartfelt. We are extremely grateful to him for sharing his time and views with us at Lord’s.”

After Rishi’s speech, the London Spirit and Royal Challengers Bengaluru Head Coach and Director of Cricket duo, Andy Flower and Mo Bobat, spoke with MCC Chair Mark Nicholas. Both discussed their cricketing origins, how they’ve found success in their various roles, the differences between The Hundred and the IPL, and their reflections on the 2026 London Spirit campaign.

The lecture was livestreamed via the Lord’s YouTube channel reaching viewers from around the world. A recording of the lecture is available to watch here.

The MCC Cowdrey Lecture, in memory of Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, has become an annual highlight in the cricketing calendar, provoking debate and discussion of the major issues facing the game today.

The inaugural address was delivered in 2001 by Richie Benaud and past lecturers include Clive Lloyd, Imran Khan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mike Brearley.