MCC explores speeding up women's membership process in 2026

The MCC may fast-track female memberships after women make up just 3.2% of full members since 1998 admission.

Proposal on gender diversity The Marylebone Cricket Club will review proposals to accelerate membership for women as part of a consultation ahead of its 2026 Annual General Meeting. The idea is among several outlined in a paper circulated to members and obtained by a reputable source. The MCC opened membership to women in 1998 after centuries as an all-male institution and initially ruled out fast-tracking before now revisiting the stance. ## Reasons behind the shift A document shared with members highlights the 'lack of progress in female membership since 1998' as justification for reconsidering the approach. With women representing only 3.2% of full members, the club warns this imbalance could deter future sponsorship revenue. 'Sponsors in sport are looking at how they can speak to men and women alike and the lack of diversity in the membership could influence this in the coming years,' the paper states. ## External pressure builds In June 2023, the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) published a report calling the MCC's role pivotal in eliminating sexism from cricket. The ICEC described the low female membership as 'frankly ridiculous' last year and stressed the club must confront the issue directly. The 2026 consultation will examine solutions including shorter waiting periods for women applicants. ## Proposed solutions and hurdles Possible measures include reducing the standard 30-year waiting list for female candidates, though this may face opposition. Any policy change requires approval from two-thirds of existing members. A 2025 AGM goal of 20% female full members within a decade would take 35 more years at the current pace. Other strategies under review involve growing total membership numbers, improving talent pipelines, and expanding women's playing programs. ## Leadership weighs in on change Mark Nicholas, the MCC chair, warned in document notes that the club's ability to 'maintain our relevance in cricket' would be compromised if the membership fails to reflect the wider cricketing community's gender makeup. The MCC has already increased efforts to recruit more women as playing members, who can qualify for full membership by representing the club. In 2024, applications from women surged by 77%, and women's out-matches rose by 34%. ## Growing momentum in women's cricket The club appointed Emma Marsh as a dedicated recruitment officer for women's playing members in 2024. Lord's will host three Women's T20 World Cup group-stage matches this summer, including the final, and stage its first women's Test match in history between England and India in July 2026. Nicholas emphasized that Lord's, as the heart of English cricket, can lead necessary change.