MCC Members

The Formation of the ECB

The Griffiths Working Party was set up in 1993 to look into the administration of cricket in the UK and the future role of the MCC. It reported in January 1994.

The following conclusions are worth emphasising:- 1) “The MCC would be prepared to do everything in its power to support the formation of a British Cricket Board of Control and to this end would be willing in the first place to join in discussions to consider the constitution and functions of such a Board. The Members of this Working Party are willing to continue to give any assistance that is required of them." No discussions ever took place and no proper constitution was formulated as recommended. The ECB is not properly accountable and no constitution exists that should reflect its role as a public body governing a national sport. 2) One of the roles of the MCC is “To maintain a strong and independent presence in cricket as the guardian of the Laws of the Game and be prepared to speak publicly in order to uphold the standards of the game”. The Griffths Working Party did not foresee the MCC being a member of the new Board of Control if this was likely to compromise the independence of the Club. MCC Members have never been consulted despite formal questions being put to the Committee at several AGM 's about the matter and being given assurances they would.

During the period of MCC government from March 1877 to September 1969 England played 458 Test Matches and won 177 (38.6%). Since that date 422 have been played and 129 have been won (30.6%).

That is not to say that MCC should return to the seat of power, but the decline in the winning ratio is a signal that something is amiss and needing remedial action. What is also noticeable is the huge increase in the physical and mental demands upon the players themselves in a variety of differing competitive environments. The pressures here are commercially driven.

What is perhaps not known is the fact that since the regulating influence of the Cricket Council was destroyed there has never been a balancing mechanism to control the activities of the game's governing body. Whilst the sport remains in the hands of an unregulated private company without a suitable constitution for a national sport it is hardly surprising the problems are beginning to pile up. A properly constituted ECB would raise the game of cricket above the damaging influences of conflicting personalities.

An England Captain has commented "in my day only 3 County Chairmen had not played First Class or International cricket , today only 3 have played"!

The recent publicity supports the need for the MCC to set up a Board of Enquiry to look into the management of the ECB and draft a constitution within which the national governing body of cricket should be regulated.