In a unique move, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has decided to sell slabs of the historic outfield to raise funds and support the venue’s redevelopment. Lord’s is set to relay its outfield for the first time in over two decades.
A slab of grass, measuring 1.2m x 0.6m, will be available for £50 (Approx ₹5,892). Though initially intended for MCC’s 25,000 members, the offer could extend to the general public as well.
According to the Indian Express report, arelease from Marylebone Cricket Club said, “To raise funds for the MCC Foundation, and to aid future development of the cricket field, we are offering all Members the chance to own a piece of Lord’s turf, a part of the stage on which so many magical moments have taken place,”
Of the funds raised, 10 per cent will go directly to the MCC Foundation, with the remaining proceeds earmarked for enhancing cricket infrastructure at Lord’s.
Why is the Lord's outfield getting relayed?
The relaying process is set to begin in September, leaving aside the historic 20-pitch square. Workers will remove 15mm from the top layer of grass before reseeding to create a fresh outfield surface. The decision comes after repeated wear and tear issues, particularly as fielders diving during matches began to rip up tufts of grass.
Chief curator Karl McDermott revealed that relaying the outfield had been on his radar for some time. However, Lord’s increasingly packed calendar left little room for such an overhaul.
“My predecessor Mick Hunt always had a pitch up his sleeve that he could re-lay and not have any cricket on [for three years],” he told Telegraph Sport last month. “But we don’t have that luxury now, because of the rise in cricket: The Hundred, there’s more women’s cricket, which is fantastic, but nothing has given way.”
When wa sthe last time Lord's turf was relayed?
The last major outfield relaying took place in 2002, primarily to improve drainage. Back then, turf slabs were auctioned at £10 each and raised £35,000. One dedicated fan even spent £1,260 to cover their lawn entirely with Lord’s turf.
There were calls to replace the outfield again after the 2012 London Olympics during which Lord’s hosted archery when some members said it resembled a “patchwork quilt.” However, the MCC stood by the quality of the field, stating they had “no concerns” with the surface, especially after it was approved for use by ICC match referee Jeff Crowe.
