\n<\/p>\n
That could eventually include a new membership category, or shorter waiting times, for women to make a dent into the gender imbalance. Any such proposals would need the approval of members, with the notion of ‘queue jumping’ likely to have some detractors.<\/p>\n
At the current rate, the MCC will achieve a 80-20% male-to-female ratio by the year 2075 which internally has been deemed unacceptable.<\/p>\n
MCC chief executive Rob Lawson, chair Mark Nicholas and president Lord King are said to be among those who have made the issue a priority.<\/p>\n
The MCC has already stepped up efforts to increase the number of women among its playing members – essentially a way for candidates to fast-track themselves to membership by representing the club in fixtures.<\/p>\n
In 2024 there was a 77% increase in women applying to qualify as player members while the number of women’s out-matches played by the MCC increased by 34%.<\/p>\n
A dedicated recruitment officer for women’s playing members – Emma Marsh – was appointed in 2024.<\/p>\n
England’s women have never played a Test match at Lord’s – the Home of Cricket – although one is scheduled against India at the ground in 2026.<\/p>\n
The MCC’s workforce is closer to an even split, with 60% of its employees male and 40% of them female.<\/p>\n
In June 2023, the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) said in its report that the MCC had a pivotal role to play in eradicating sexism from the game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n