Cheteshwar Pujara, Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates honoured with MCC Honorary Life Memberships

Five exceptional international cricketers have been elected as Honorary Life Members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in recognition of their outstanding, lifelong contributions to the sport. New Zealand legends Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, alongside Australia’s Mel Jones, officially accepted their memberships from MCC President Ed Smith and Chair Mark Nicholas at Lord’s. They are joined in this year’s prestigious intake by India’s Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara and the newly appointed Bangladesh Cricket Board President, Tamim Iqbal.

Renowned for his defensive masterclasses and unmatched resilience at the crease, Pujara receives the honor following a distinguished 103-Test career. He amassed 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries, and was a vital pillar in several of India’s historic overseas series triumphs. With more than 21,000 First-Class runs to his name, the 37-year-old has since smoothly transitioned into the broadcasting world.  

Having brought their illustrious international careers to a close following New Zealand’s group-stage exit at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, both White Ferns icons have been highly celebrated. Bates signs off as the all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals, having accumulated over 10,000 runs across both white-ball formats. Meanwhile, Devine retires as one of the game’s finest premier all-rounders, boasting more than 8,000 international runs and over 240 wickets, highlighted by captaining New Zealand to the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup title.

A highly decorated two-time Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Ashes champion, Jones played a vital role in building the foundation of Australia’s modern dominance. Since hanging up her boots, she has established herself as one of cricket’s premier global broadcasters.

Rounding out the elite group is one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated opening batters and former national captains. Tamim finishes as his country’s highest ODI run-scorer and second-highest Test run-getter, amassing over 13,000 international runs across all formats. Famously etching his name onto the iconic Lord’s Honours Board with a brilliant century against England in 2010, Tamim recently transitioned into cricket administration, making history as the youngest-ever president of the BCB.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome five fantastic cricketers as our newest Honorary Life Members.Each of them is richly deserving of the recognition for their lifelong dedication to the game. We look forward to welcoming them to Lord’s as MCC Members in the years to come,” said MCC chief executive and secretary Rob Lawson.