MCC and the MCC Foundation have launched the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup, which will start in April 2026.
Named after two of England’s greatest state-educated cricketers, this is a new national hardball competition exclusively for state schools across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
All state schools can enter a boys’ and girls’ under-15s team, with winners progressing to regional and then national knockout matches, before the finalists play at Lord’s next summer.
All counties have been approached about their possible involvement in the competition, particularly regarding organisation on a local level.
With over 850 teams already signed up, there is huge excitement about the competition. It is hoped that this can be the catalyst for greater engagement in cricket among state schools, giving any aspiring young cricketer the chance to play at some of the great cricket venues across the country, including Lord’s.
Schools have until Friday 31 October to express their interest in entering the competition before the MCC Foundation and the county network get to work arranging the first rounds of fixtures next spring.
If you know anyone who would be interested in entering a secondary state school boys’ or girls’ team in the inaugural Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup, please go to .