Middlesex County Cricket Club (MCCC) can today confirm that as part of the ongoing process of consultation with members and stakeholders in relation to the England and Wales Cricket’s Board’s (ECB) current review of the domestic playing structure from 2026 onwards, the Club will be holding a members’ forum to discuss the matter, with the forum taking place in the Thomas Lord Suite from 6pm on Thursday 26th June 2025.
At the forum the MCCC Board will provide an overview on the latest understanding of the ECB’s proposals that are being discussed with Professional County Clubs (PCC) and explain the thinking behind these proposals.
Immediately following the forum, the Club will then hold a Special General Meeting (SGM), which has been called as a result of just over 100 members exercising their right, within the Club’s Rules, to call for an SGM. Members have stated two resolutions within their petition to be voted on at the SGM.
Statement on behalf of the petitioners...
The Club has promised a members' survey and forum to consider formal proposals for a new schedule. However, these proposal may all involve reducing county cricket and the Board is not bound to follow members' wishes. A General Meeting gives members a chance to vote on the position the Club should take on any proposals to reduce the amount of county cricket. The petition was submitted before proposals have been finalised so there is sufficient time to hold the meeting (requiring 21 days' notice) before county Chairs are asked to vote on them. The Board is asked to hold the meeting before the Chair votes on any proposals that reduce the amount of county cricket.
The Board of MCCC has been advised that the wording of both resolutions conflicts with their fiduciary duties as Directors to consider the views of all stakeholders when making such decisions.Regrettably, therefore, the Board is obliged for legal reasons to oppose these resolutions and to request members to vote against them.
However, to demonstrate the importance of members’ views when considering changes to the domestic structure, the Board is proposing a third resolution that is worded in a way that that does not conflict with Directors’ fiduciary duties.
The three resolutions to be voted on at the SGM are therefore as follows:
The Club’s commitment to consult with and understand the views of its stakeholders has already seen the Club send an online survey to its members, requesting feedback on the domestic playing schedule. Well over 1,100 members have taken part in the survey, and the Board will present the results of this at the SGM in June.
Members unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to vote by proxy in advance, and tomorrow the Club will be sending out a formal notice of the SGM, along with a proxy form for members to cast their vote if unable to attend in person.
The Club and its Board remain committed to working with its members and its wider stakeholders throughout this process.
Both the members forum and SGM will be available to watch online, although those watching online will not have the option to post comments or pose questions to the Board. Details of how members can register to watch online will be sent to members soon.
