Bradshaw calms talk of MCC merger

	MCC and Middlesex won't be joining forces anytime in the near future © Getty Images

Keith Bradshaw, MCC chief executive, has said that recent reports of a merger between MCC and Middlesex have been taken out of context and the notion of the two clubs joining forces was only spoken about hypothetically.

"What is accurate is that I have regular meetings with Vinny Codrington, the secretary and chief executive of Middlesex," Bradshaw said in an email to MCC members. "During one such meeting, we discussed the proposed future development of the ground and how this might affect Middlesex.

"When we meet, we consider many issues relating to the use of the ground, the arrangements for Middlesex matches at Lord's, innovations and, from time to time, how each club might develop for mutual benefit. The possibility that Middlesex might one day become a part of MCC was touched upon hypothetically during discussions; but I must stress that there are certainly no current plans for a merger of the two clubs."

The idea brought support from other county chief executives with both Paul Sheldon from Surrey and Lancashire's Jim Cumbes enthusiastic about the suggestion.

But Bradshaw explained that should any moves be made towards a merger that it would involve members of both MCC and Middlesex and added that MCC's main consideration at the moment was as guardians of the game.

"I cannot stress enough that MCC's continuing focus is the Laws of Cricket - as its guardians - upholding the spirit of the game, and ensuring that Lord's remains the premier cricket ground in the world."

There are extensive long-term development plans being put in place by MCC and Lord's has also been put forward to host the ICC World Twenty20 final next year.