MCC: We were wrong to axe Eton v Harrow

THE MCC will today apologise to members for dropping the Eton v Harrow fixture without consulting them. Officials sparked outrage when they ditched the annual match last year, along with the Varsity clash. Furious members called for a special general meeting and the MCC agreed to a consultation. The Eton v Harrow fixture has been played since 1805, with the Oxford v Cambridge game first held at Lord’s in 1827. Both will go ahead this year. In a survey due to go out to the 18,000 members today and seen by Sportsmail, the MCC say that ‘a period of reflection and review has clearly identified that the lack of consultation was a mistake and upset many members’. They add: ‘It was an error for which we apologise. We now have an opportunity to put it right.’ The letter features a hitlist of vulnerable games, with MCC claiming that the ground is showing signs of wear and tear and should be used for no more than 60 matches to help protect the surface. Members are being asked to name the five fixtures most important to them. There are also a series of questions on the Eton v Harrow and Oxford v Cambridge games, with those who disagree with retaining the matches asked to choose from a variety of explanations which include reputational damage, that they are ‘incompatible with MCC’s commitment to diversity’ and are ‘a threat to the club’s broader cricket strategy and long-term future’.

In a move that may raise eyebrows, three matches are not at risk. They include a corporate day with sponsors — the financial giant JP Morgan — and corporate days for MCC and Middlesex and their sponsors. Members have until January 30 to respond with results to be shared in February.