MCC is delighted to announce that The Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak will deliver the MCC Cowdrey Lecture in 2026. 

The event will take place in the Nursery Pavilion at Lord’s on Thursday 17 September and the evening will welcome MCC Members and guests, members of the Cowdrey family, and prominent representatives from across the game. 

Sunak, a lifelong cricket fan, who served as Prime Minister between 2022 and 2024, fell in love with the game while watching Hampshire at the old County Ground in Southampton. He has remained a huge supporter of cricket throughout his career in public life.  

The prestigious Lecture, which evolved from the ‘Spirit of Cricket’, is a highlight of the cricketing calendar. It was created in memory of Colin Cowdrey (later Lord Cowdrey), the former England captain who co-authored the ‘Spirit of Cricket’. 

Ed Smith, President of MCC, said: “We are delighted to announce that Rishi Sunak will be delivering this year’s Cowdrey Lecture. 

“He is a lifelong cricket fan and perfectly placed to understand the unique value of cricket within national life. Everyone at MCC is already excited about 17 September.” 

Following the keynote speech, special guest panellists, Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, will talk to MCC Chair Mark Nicholas, giving their thoughts and reflections on the game today. Both have achieved great success with England cricket and in the IPL, where they have won the last two tournaments. Bobat and Flower now have key roles as Director of Cricket and Men's Head Coach respectively at MCC and Tech Titans’ co-owned London Spirit franchise. 

The evening will conclude with a final guest, former England Captain Clare Connor. Following her retirement from playing, Connor spent 18 years at the ECB, during which she oversaw the transformation of women’s and girls’ game in England and Wales, both at a professional and grassroots level. Connor is leaving her roles as ECB’s Deputy CEO and MD of England Women after this summer. 

The event will be streamed on the Lord’s Cricket Ground YouTube channel.