The traditional annual cricket match between Eton and Harrow at Lord’s will be replaced by the final of a national schools’ competition, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has confirmed.
The Times reports that the competition, played in the snappier T20 format, will take place from next year.
The controversial decision to end the Eton and Harrow match at Lord’s was made to make access to playing at the ground less exclusive.
The national competition will begin in early summer 2023 and will be open to all secondary schools. There will be both a boys’ and girls’ competition, with both finals played on the same day in late June/early July next year.
Jamie Cox, MCC’s head of cricket, said: “Lord’s is an aspirational ground — this is not a decision about excluding anyone, it’s about including everyone and about excellence and about opening up a competition that includes everyone to find out who is the best, and who has earned the right to come and play at Lord’s,” he said.
The final Eton v Harrow match at Lord’s took place on Tuesday and from next year is likely to take place at the Wormsley Estate in Oxfordshire, The Times reports.
