Chris Cowdrey Announced As New Lord's Taverners President

Chris Cowdrey Announced As New Lord's Taverners President

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Former England captain Chris Cowdrey has been confirmed as the new President of The Lord’s Taverners, the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity. Chris succeeds film critic and cricket fan, Barry Norman CBE, after a very successful year for the charity.

Chris is the third former England captain to become President of The Lord’s Taverners since the charity was established in 1950 in the Tavern at Lord’s Cricket Ground. He follows in the footsteps of his father, The Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge CBE (president 1995-1997) and Mike Gatting OBE.

Chris Cowdrey, the new President of The Lord’s Taverners, said: “I hope to last a little longer than the previous time I followed in dad’s footsteps.” 

That was during the 1988 series against the West Indies when Chris was appointed England captain. Unfortunately, he was injured after one Test in charge at Headingley and never played for England again.

“I am delighted and honoured to be made The Lord’s Taverners president. I have been a member since my playing days and I’m proud to be part of cricket’s favourite charity which does so much for disadvantaged and disabled young people.”

Chris and his dad Colin were only the second father-son combination to captain England, emulating Frank and George Mann. In all he played six Tests for England and was part of David Gower’s successful side that won the test series in India in 1984-85. Nearly all his county cricket was played at Kent and he captained the county 1986-1990.

This announcement is accompanied by news that another former England captain, Tony Lewis CBE, has been appointed as President of the Taverners Wales region. Tony, a former president of the MCC, is the last cricketer to captain England on his Test debut.

These announcements cap an exceptional year for The Lord’s Taverners, which gave £3.25m to fulfil its charitable activities and through partnerships with other charities, Cricket for Change and SOS Kit Aid, delivered programmes worth of £250,000 more.