Shared vision for accessible and inclusive cricket at the heart of Barclays new MCC sponsorship

Ahead of the start of a busy 2025 cricket schedule, Barclays is today unveiled as the brand-new principal partner of MCC and Lord’s. From unmissable experiences for fans to support for young people in the community, Barclays continues to create unparalleled opportunities through the UK’s most loved sports – football, tennis and now, cricket.

One of the most recognisable cricket venues in the world, Lord’s joins Barclays’ sport partnership line-up. As title sponsor of Barclay’s Women’s Super League, Banking partner of the Premier League and Banking partner of Wimbledon, this new partnership with the Home of Cricket combines with football and tennis in the bank’s commitment to elite and grassroots sport.

Around the Ground, supporters and visitors to Lord’s will have opportunities to experience Barclays’ fan activations and experiences, and media in attendance will now work from the Barclays Media Centre. Since opening in 1999, the unique design has won eight architectural awards and offers the best panoramic views of the Ground.

Through the partnership, Barclays will support the MCC Foundation, the official charity of MCC, through significant annual investment to help the charity develop its various programmes. Part of this investment will support the Foundation’s Hub Programme, a network of cricket hubs that provides free-to-access coaching and match play to state-educated children across the UK. Through Barclays’ contribution, the Hub Programme will expand from 124 sites to 200 sites in 2026, benefiting up to 6,800 young cricketers, rising to more than 10,000 young people by 2028.

Supporting the development of the women’s and girls’ game is a priority for MCC and we’ll be working with Barclays on projects to deliver growth across the game, with ambitions to match the exponential growth seen in women’s football in recent years.

Rob Lynch, Interim Chief Executive & 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.”

C.S Venkatakrishnan, Group Chief Executive of Barclays, said: “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.”