MCC Foundation enlists Michael Holding as patron

The former West Indies bowler becomes the latest high-profile figure to join the charitable arm of the club

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Michael Holding, the ex-West Indies bowler, has joined the MCC Foundation as a patron.

The 66-year-old took 491 wickets during his illustrious international career.

More recently, Holding has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Alongside Ebony Rainford-Brent, he was part of an emotional video package produced by Sky Sports outlining his personal experiences of racism and prejudice.

He becomes the latest high-profile figure to be appointed as a patron after Stephen Fry joined in October. Claire Taylor, Mike Brearley, Mike Atherton and Mike Gatting are already in place.

"I am thrilled to support the MCC Foundation and its work to make cricket a game that champions respect and equality for all," he said.

"Cricket has the power to heal divided communities, give hope in the most desperate of circumstances, and transform lives. 

The most powerful piece of sports broadcasting I can recall

"There is much pain and prejudice in our world, but the Foundation is empowering and inspiring young people through cricket, so that they may build a brighter future."

The foundation, the charitable arm of the MCC - the owner or Lord's and guardian of the laws of the game - have pledged to increase diversity in cricket.

"Over the past year, important conversations around equality and diversity have occupied the public’s consciousness," Sarah Fane, director of the MCC Foundation, said.

"These have been discussed and felt across all areas of society. While cricket is more diverse than it has ever been, we recognise there are inequalities which still dog the sport, and we are determined to play our part in changing the landscape so that cricket becomes a reflection of the diversity of our nation.

"I was deeply moved by Michael’s dignified and enlightening contribution to the debate on racism during the England-West Indies Test, and am proud to have him as our Patron."

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