Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owner of Lord’s Cricket Ground, has named Barclays as its principal partner. 

As part of the agreement, the media centre will be renamed the Barclays Media Centre. Additionally, fans and visitors to Lord’s will have the chance to engage with fan activations and experiences Barclays will integrate around the ground.

The UK bank will also make a significant annual investment to support the MCC Foundation, the official charity of MCC. This funding will help expand the Foundation’s programmes, including the Hub Programme, which provides free coaching and match play to state-educated children across the UK. 

With Barclays’ support, the programme will grow from 124 sites to 200 by 2026, benefiting up to 6,800 young cricketers, with the aim of reaching more than 10,000 by 2028.

Rob Lynch, Interim Chief Executive and Secretary of MCC, said: “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for MCC, Lord’s and cricket as a whole. Barclays shares our passion for working for the good of the game and ensuring that as many young people throughout the UK can pick up a bat and ball and take part in our wonderful sport. 

“Their incredible support for the MCC Foundation will help us make cricket more accessible to thousands of young people, fostering the next generation of talent and fans to Lord’s.”

Barclays has long been an advocate for promoting inclusion in sports. The bank currently serves as the title sponsor of the Barclays Women’s Super League and has played an important role in the significant growth witnessed in women’s football in recent years

Aiming to help replicate this success in cricket, the bank will support the growth of women’s and girls’ cricket, which is a key priority for the MCC. 

C.S Venkatakrishnan, Group Chief Executive of Barclays, commented: “It is a privilege to partner with Lord’s, the Home of Cricket. Barclays and Lord’s, two great British institutions, will work together to build the next generation of budding cricketers.  

“Barclays is invested in world-class sports partnerships. We are eager to work with the MCC Foundation on their grassroots cricket programmes, strengthening communities by providing access and facilities for all players.”

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