Middlesex could leave Lord’s for new home

MIDDLESEX are considering terminating a 160-year tenancy at Lord’s by creating a new home in north west London.

The 13-time county champions have been accommodated by MCC since their foundation in 1864, but are following the lead of less prestigious clubs in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire by exploring a shift from their traditional base to a new development.

Middlesex chief executive Andrew Cornish said leaving the world’s most famous cricket ground was a possibility following talks with potential investors, and hinted that big matches for the club might still be played at Lord’s.

‘If you look at the Harlequins model, they play most of their games at the Stoop, but for big games go to Twickenham. There’s definitely a model there to be considered,’ Cornish told The Sunday Times.

‘There are a lot of people looking at cricket as an investment opportunity right now. Our global reach is enormous. London actually needs another elite cricket facility.’

Middlesex would require money from a third party as they are in a financial mess, having been placed under special measures by the ECB for irregularities.

As part of their austerity plan, they are the only one of the 18 first-class counties not to sign an overseas player while they are also playing two T20 Blast matches at Essex’s headquarters of Chelmsford, as it was viewed as cheaper than setting up at an established out-grounds.

However, a permanent venue would allow them to replicate the business models of major clubs like Surrey and Warwickshire.