Encouraging talented cricketers at university

SIR – Steve James (telegraph.co.uk, August 22) discusses Graeme Fowler’s criticism of Marylebone Cricket Club’s approach to university cricket. As chief executive and secretary of MCC, I would like to respond.

Since 2005, when MCC took on the funding and administration for the six MCC Universities – Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Leeds/Bradford, Loughborough and Oxford – from the England and Wales Cricket Board, the club has invested £6.5 million in the scheme. MCC has done this because it believes that talented young cricketers can develop their skills while furthering their academic studies.

MCC’s involvement in the MCCUs is total: it is not just a case of signing a cheque. We integrate with each participant university to ensure that a professional programme and outreach initiatives are available to all. The club is supported in these endeavours by the 18 first-class counties. Under its guidance, the number of cricketers who become professionals has risen considerably, with more than 20 per cent of England-qualified county players having attended an MCCU. Sam Billings and Toby Roland-Jones, both selected by England this year, are two examples of cricketers who have benefited from the MCCU programme.

Furthermore, the most promising “unsigned” cricketers are given an out-of-term opportunity to show their talents, with the MCC Combined Universities competing in the Second XI Championship, which they are doing this season with great success.

MCC has a long history of investment in grassroots and community cricket, and is passionate about encouraging participation and developing excellence. A career in sport can be cut short through injury at any moment, which is why MCC continues to support cricketers who wish to develop their all-round skills. Derek Brewer London NW8