D Trelford: MCC sexism threatens the peace of Lord's Test (16 Jun 1998)

16 June 1998

MCC sexism threatens the peace of Lord's Test

By Donald Trelford

THE Lord's Test, starting on the third Thursday in June, is not just a central fixture in the English social calendar. It is an annual reunion for the whole world of cricket, symbolised by a meeting of the game's governing body, the International Cricket Council.

Former players of all nationalities choose this time of year to visit England and seek out old friends. During the match, a stroll through or behind the pavilion, into the boxes, arbours or marquees, is like going through a time warp into a magic garden of the game's glorious past.

It is the time of year when I and other MCC members with privileged access to tickets are gently reminded by family and friends of promises lightly given in the past. Tickets are hastily posted or a rendezvous planned in St John's Wood to hand them over like precious contraband.

The Long Room itself, just before 11 on the first morning, is filled with men in appalling ties who acknowledge each other solemnly like people gathering at a religious service. The coveted high chairs are claimed like family pews.

The bell tolls, the umpires emerge, then the fielding side - taller and more sun-tanned than you expect - who clump through the Long Room on their way to the pitch, trailed by polite applause for the opening batsmen.

It is surely unthinkable that these rituals should change, that Lord's could ever be removed from the Test-match itinerary. But it is not as unthinkable as it was; in fact, it is not unthinkable at all.

The problem is the admission of women as members of the MCC. Even as I write those words, I start mentally ducking the avalanche of letters, many abusive, that always follow any mention of this subject. MCC have recognised its importance by choosing this week to sent out a questionnaire to members, seeking their views on the issue. Last week, the committee were meeting to hear recommendations on what to do next about women.

People forget that MCC are no longer the governing body of English cricket. That power was ceded years ago to the Test and County Cricket Board, now reconstituted as the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The ECB's headquarters is also at Lord's, which is what causes confusion, but their membership covers all the counties. MCC are just one member. All the counties allow the admission of women. The ECB also have responsibility for women's cricket, which now boasts 200 clubs. The ECB raise money, either through sponsorship or public funds, for developing the game. The MCC's rules on women were one reason why they were refused a Lottery grant for the new grandstand at Lord's.

The MCC's attitude to women is a blot on the image of cricket. If the ECB, as the governing body, were to require the MCC's rules to be changed on pain of expulsion or other penalty, they could remove Tests from Lord's until the club complied.

The Government's decision on 'delisting' home Tests, allowing them to be broadcast on Sky as well as terrestrial channels, is due this month. If it is announced during the World Cup, it will be to minimise the impact of an unpopular decision.

The MCC Committee are fully aware of their dilemma. The last vote by members in February was actually in favour of admitting women but fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to change the rules. The target of this week's questionnaire are those members who voted against and those who failed to vote at all. The tail is wagging the dog. It would be preferable for the members to put their own house in order, rather than have a change forced on them by the ECB or even by the Government.

As they enjoy the magic of the Lord's Test this week, MCC members should ponder the fact that self-interest, even self-preservation, requires them to grow up.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)