Former England international and selector Ed Smith has been named the MCC president, taking over from Lord King of Lothbury.
The announcement was made by the MCC today (May 7), at the Club's Annual General Meeting at Lord's. Smith will take up the role on October 1, 2025, and he will serve a 12 months term.
The position of Marylebone Cricket Club president is among the most prestigious in world cricket, given the MCC's status as one of the oldest clubs in the world. Formed in 1787, the MCC was the first organisation to codify the Laws of Cricket, with amendments coming through them to this day. Each president of the MCC is required to nominate their successor at the club's AGM.
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Prior to Mervyn Allister King, Lord King of Lothbury, the MCC's presidents were Mark Nicholas (2023), Stephen Fry (2022), Clare Connor (2021) and Kumar Sangakkara (2020). Mike Gatting, Derek Underwood and Mike Brearley are other prominent international crickets to have held MCC presidency in the 21s century.
Who is Ed Smith?
Born in Kent, Smith was a veteran of the domestic first-class game, playing nearly 200 matches for Cambridge University, Kent and Middlesex. He played three Tests for England, all against South Africa in 2003.
He was forced to retire from cricket at the age of 31 in 2008 after an ankle injury. Following his retirement from cricket, he built a successful media career, penning five books and writing for various publications. He also worked as a commentator and pundit on radio and TV, most known for his work on BBC Test Match Special.
In 2018, he was made chief selector of the England men's team, with his three-year tenure spanning their 2019 World Cup win. He stepped down from the role when it was abolished in 2021. Since 2024, he has been part of the sporting intelligence department at Derby County Football Club.
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