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MCC urges spectators to stop firing champagne corks at Lord’s

Lord's is the only international cricket ground where patrons can bring in their own alcohol and it has become customary for fans to aim corks onto the pitch when they open their champagne.

It has become customary for fans to aim corks onto the pitch when they open their champagne  © Getty Images
It has become customary for fans to aim corks onto the pitch when they open their champagne © Getty Images

Marylebone Cricket Club has implored spectators at Lord’s to stop firing champagne corks onto the field of play during matches. Lord’s is the only international cricket ground where patrons can bring in their own alcohol and it has become customary for fans to aim corks onto the pitch when they open their champagne. But on the eve of England’s second one-day international against Pakistan at Lord’s, the MCC, which owns the ground, has urged its members to put an end to the tradition. “In recent times the practice of some members and other spectators opening bottles of champagne in such a way as to allow corks to be projected onto the outfield has been criticised,” the MCC said in a newsletter on Friday. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: England vs Pakistan, 2nd ODI, Lord’s

“Any items which are aimed at the playing area may cause a potential hazard to fieldsmen and this point has been made formally to the club. Lord’s is now the only ground into which members and ticket holders are allowed to bring alcohol, and in order for this arrangement to continue it is important that all members, their guests and other spectators refrain from the practice that has been described,” the newsletter said.

Meanwhile, a few days back, MCC’s World Cricket Commitee came out in support of the voices demanding the reduction in bat sizes in cricket. The committee which met on July 11 and 12 recommended ammendments related to the existing laws on the allowed width and height of the bat. The committee believed that the size of the edges, depth and weight of the bat need changes as well. The MCC was of the view that the game’s balance has seen a shift in favour of the batsman and the changes. The committee although has no powers, it is respected as an independent voice in world cricket, and makes recommendations to the MCC.

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