Almost a month into the role, and with a men’s Test match, women’s T20 International, Foundation Hubs Finals Day and the first ever Disability Day at Lord’s completed, Rob Lynch couldn’t be happier with his decision to return to the Home of Cricket and knew it was the right move even before he got the role.
“When I arrived for the final interview, I was an hour early and I sat in the Warner Stand and there was a game of cricket happening and I sat there and thought, ‘there is genuinely no better place than here’ and it was that moment that I wanted the job so much. That right there, is the power of Lord’s.”
As the newly appointed Director of Cricket and Operations at Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and he has hit the ground running with ambitious ideas for the Club and its iconic ground but it’s also simple things like ensuring the magic of Lord’s is shared with as many people as possible that really motivates Lynch.
Starting his tenure during the build-up to a Test match at Lord’s, it provided Lynch with a poignant opportunity for reflection. "There was a moment during the second day of the Test when I was in my office and took a moment to look around at the 30,000 people, in the sunshine, enjoying Test match cricket at Lord’s, and you think, ‘this is what it’s all about’," he said.
One of the major projects Lynch was involved in prior to officially starting was the World Cricket Connects event, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at uniting influential voices in the cricketing world. He emphasised the success and ambition of the project: "To bring together the game’s most influential players in one place was a formidable challenge. The diversity and rich debate were extremely healthy and very positive, showcasing the allure of Lord’s and the esteem in which it is held."
But it’s what comes next that Lynch firmly believes will help establish Connects as an important date on the cricketing calendar.
“I think the outputs need to be twofold,” he said. “Firstly, we’ve already written to the ICC to give them a summary of the day in the hope they see the value in building on some of those conversations and working out with other governing bodies how we might progress some of those vital topics.
“Secondly, it’s what we do with the World Cricket Connects brand in the future,” explained Lynch. “Can we bring people together again in one, two-year’s time and continue the very complex debates we’re facing in this game, which we need to front up to and are there opportunities to continue the conversation more regularly in smaller groups?”
When asked if the introduction of Connects is something that will replace or complement the existing World Cricket Committee, Lynch is unequivocal in his response. “It (Connects) can undoubtedly complement the Committee, but there’s no doubt the Committee also needs to evolve and perhaps re-visit its purpose and future focus. That might be as simple as the composition of the Committee and bringing in wider influences into the fold like fans, broadcasters or people involved with digital and technology and ensure we continue to make its outputs relevant to the game.”
Lynch's passion for cricket is clear as he outlines his strategic vision for MCC. "Our cricket strategy ensures that we evolve as the game changes, including the growth of the women’s game. Our Disability Day highlighted the joy of the game for all and I hope it’s a fixture we can build on," he admitted. Lynch is keen to explore new and innovative match fixtures at Lord’s and increasing the variety and use of the Nursery Ground and Indoor Cricket Centre, he also has ambitions for a refreshed MCC Young Cricketers’ Programme and more support for associate nations geographically close to England, all aimed at keeping cricket at the forefront of MCC’s activities.
"We want as many people as possible to experience the magic of this Ground."
“Ultimately, we have the best Ground in the world, and we want to ensure we’re hosting the best cricket for our Members and the hundreds of thousands of visitors that come each year, but also make sure there’s a decent spread of MCC fixtures, grassroots fixtures and also continue to grow our Road to Lord’s concept. We want as many people as possible to experience the magic of this Ground.”
The operational side of Lynch's role is equally crucial. He is focused on enhancing the visitor experience at Lord’s, ensuring that every spectator leaves having enjoyed the best cricketing experience. Lynch is particularly mindful of the balancing act that cricket faces at the moment with “respecting traditions and moving forward into the modern world and the ever-evolving nature of cricket, no better place is this illustrated than the wonderful Tavern & Allen development, which will sit proudly next to the historic and unrivalled Pavilion.”
One theme in modern cricket and society more broadly, that is an ever-increasing discussion point is sustainability, something that is close to Lynch’s heart and that he commends MCC for already being so forward-thinking on.
“From a sustainability perspective, I have some pretty strong thoughts about this. The fact is, climate change is affecting us all as humans like never before and there are stark facts that can’t be ignored. We’re not embracing the issues as much as we should, and I’d like some eyes to be opened. I applaud the fact MCC takes the issue of sustainability very seriously and has the ambition to be net zero by 2030.”
Lynch takes great pride in MCC being part of key global conversations on and off the field of play and it’s obvious his connection to Lord’s is deeply personal. Reflecting on his early experiences at the ground, he said: "For a 17-year-old budding cricketer from the other side of the world to be standing in the Holy Grail was a spine-tingling moment I will never forget." Now, as he steps into his new role, that sense of wonder and respect for Lord’s remains undiminished and the thought of playing cricket is never far away, something he enjoyed doing with MCC and that he wants to see grow.
“I played over 70 games for the Club as a Young Cricketer and for a short time afterwards. Those games I played, particularly matches against Ireland, Scotland, the Combined Forces, Oxford and Cambridge University at Lord’s were some of the most fun and enjoyable cricket matches I’ve ever played,” enthused Lynch.
Rob (pictured top left) as part of the MCC Young Cricketers programme
“Not just the quality but also the camaraderie and the people you meet through these matches. I’m in touch with some of these players to this day and they are life-long friendships I cherish. The importance of the MCC Playing programme is paramount to what we are trying to do as a Club, spreading the message of MCC and what we do, not just here in the UK but around the world too through our touring programme, something that gives back to local teams and communities.”
When talking about the game, Lynch’s eyes light up and you can see how much it’s given to him during his life, both in terms of opportunities and experiences. It doesn’t take much for conversation to turn to Test cricket and he’s very vocal about it. “MCC Members, including myself, are passionate about the Test format and there are big global questions that need to be asked about Test cricket.
“The importance of Test cricket to MCC and this Ground is clearly evident and Test cricket more broadly in this country, with packed out venues for the recent series against West Indies is an important reminder of how special it is.
“Our Members and fans coming to Lord’s love to watch Test cricket and we’re very privileged to have two fixtures every summer. There is nothing more exciting than the opening day of a Test match at Lord’s; the vibe, the ambience, the Lord’s hum is like nothing you experience in any sports ground.”
A 25-year (and counting) career in cricket and a moment spent with Lynch shows that his excitement and enthusiasm for the game remains undimmed and his ambitions to celebrate MCC and Lord’s whilst ensuring the Club remains relevant and at the forefront of the game are clear, creating exciting times in the coming months and years ahead.