MCC calls on members to back Women’s T20 World Cup final amid reputation concerns

The chief executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has urged members to attend the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s on Sunday, regardless of whether England qualifies by beating South Africa in Thursday’s semifinal.

In a letter to members, as reported by Cricinfo, chief executive and secretary Robert Lawson warned that it was “vital to MCC’s reputation” to avoid a repeat of the 2017 Women’s World Cup final, when 24,000 spectators watched England’s dramatic nine-run win but the members-only Pavilion areas remained noticeably underoccupied.

The incident drew criticism from both members and the media. During an MCC Special General Meeting last year, the club acknowledged that a similar scenario at this year’s final would carry even greater reputational consequences.

The concern follows criticism in the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report in 2023, which stated: “The ‘home of cricket’ is still a home principally for men.”

MCC, founded in 1787, admitted women as members only in 1998. Of its approximately 18,350 full members, fewer than three per cent are women. The ICEC report also described it as “truly appalling” that England Women had never played a Test at Lord’s, a statistic that will change next week when England hosts India.

Addressing members, Lawson wrote: “On Sunday, we have the honour of hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final. Yesterday’s semi-final saw Australia continue their dominant run and we look forward to welcoming them to Lord’s this weekend. Tomorrow evening we will find out which of England or South Africa will join them.”

“We can expect a very high-quality match this Sunday. I ask that you show your continued support for the game and for your Club by using your ticket(s) and coming to the match, regardless of which teams have made it to the Final.”

Lawson also appealed to members unable to attend to notify the club “and we will do our best to fill the space you have vacated”.

The tournament has attracted record crowds, with more than 160,000 tickets sold, the highest ever for a women’s ICC event. Lord’s drew 27,000 spectators for the final group-stage double-header, while attendance records were also set at Edgbaston and The Oval.

Published on Jul 02, 2026