Eton v Harrow and Oxford v Cambridge to stay at Lord's after MCC compromise

The fixture between Eton and Harrow, two of England's most prestigious private schools, has been held annually at Lord's since 1805

Lord's will still host the Eton versus Harrow school match and the university fixture between Cambridge and Oxford until at least 2027 after a compromise at the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

It follows complaints from MCC members after a decision last year by the club's executive to relocate the games.

They wanted to reduce the number of games at Lord's and offer a wider range of people the chance to play there.

There will be a review in the winter of 2027 and a possible vote in 2028.

The fixtures, both played at Lord's since the early 19th century, have proved divisive at the MCC, who own the venue.

Last year, MCC president Stephen Fry spoke in support of the changes and said they would help challenge a "turgid image of snobbery and elitism"

But a group of members protested, leading to an apology from the executive and a wider consultation.

That consultation found the issue split opinion within the membership so the compromise has been reached, rather than holding a vote.

"The members' survey showed us a strong polarisation of views across the membership," MCC chief executive Guy Lavender said.

"It had become a divisive issue. We will take stock of our membership in four years' time and see that the world looks like then."

Archie Berens, who represented the 'historic fixture group' which protested against the original decision, said: "Everyone involved deserves credit for coming to a pragmatic solution that works for everyone and looks to heal the rifts in the club.

"By reaching this outcome, honour is done to both sides. History is more important to Lord's than it is to probably any other cricket ground in the world."

As part of the new arrangement, organisers of other competitions will be invited to stage fixtures at Lord's from 2024.