Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Monday announced the appointment of former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara as the new Chair of its World Cricket Committee (WCC) adding that ex-Hampshire captain-turned-broadcaster Mark Nicholas will be the new President of the club.
Sangakkara, who had earlier served as MCC President in 2021, will be replacing former England captain Mike Gatting, who had six years in the role as the Chair of the WCC, which includes other legendary cricketers like Sourav Ganguly, Heather Knight, Justin Langer, Eoin Morgan and Graeme Smith.
Notably, Sangakkara is Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 12,400 runs from 134 matches. He also amassed 14,234 runs from 404 ODIs.
After retiring from international cricket in 2015, Sangakkara joined commentary, apart from serving as the director of cricket and head coach Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
On the other hand, Nicholas will be replacing Stephen Fry in the role of MCC President.
Nicholas amassed more than 25,000 runs and guided Hampshire to four major trophies in an 18-year long career, before moving into TV presenter.
“I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of many wonderful people who have had the privilege of being the President of MCC, none more so than two heroes of mine and mentors, Ted Dexter and Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie. Lord’s is, of course, a special place and I’m looking forward to a greater involvement with the Club through the many projects with which we are presently engaged. I’m also excited by the many events which we have already planned over the next year,” he said on his appointment.
Meanwhile, the MCC also announced of a new treasurer in Chris Rogers, who will be replacing Tony Elgood, who served six years in the role.