Former Sri Lankan batting great and skipper Kumara Sangakarra officially took charge as the President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) on Tuesday. He became the first non-British citizen to hold this post. Sangakkara's tenure as MCC President is one-year long which will include two England Test matches against West Indies and Pakistan, ODI against Australia and the launch of The Hundred competition.

“I am thrilled to hold the prestigious position of MCC President and I look forward to working hard with the MCC to build on this incredible year of cricket. We have an opportunity to convert more supporters to the game we love and educate them about the fantastic work MCC does locally, nationally and globally for cricket and those communities,” Sangakkara said in an official statement.

MCC Chief Executive & Secretary, Guy Lavender was glad to have Sangakarra as the new President. He said,

“We are delighted that Kumar is taking up his position today and it is with great thanks to Anthony Wreford for choosing our first international President. I have no doubt that Kumar will be an outstanding successor and will help shape our Club and vision moving forward,” said Lavender.

Sangakarra’s nomination was announced by the outgoing President, Anthony Wreford, at the MCC Annual General Meeting at Lord's in May this year. The former Lankan skipper has been associated with the MCC for a long time. He played against the club in 2002 and in the match; he opened the batting for the touring Sri Lankan side.

He also played for the MCC against an International XI at Lord's in the 2005 Tsunami Relief Match.