The club was initially formed as an exclusive club for gentlemen cricketers, and its membership was limited to those who had either played first-class cricket or were considered to be of a suitable social standing. However, over time the club became more inclusive, and today it has a diverse membership of both men and women from all backgrounds.
The MCC's influence on the game of cricket has been considerable. In the early years of the club, its members played a leading role in the development of the sport, and in 1788 the MCC published its first code of laws, which established many of the basic principles that still govern the game today. In the years that followed, the MCC continued to play a key role in the evolution of the game, and it was responsible for many important innovations, such as the introduction of overarm bowling in 1864.
Today, the MCC remains one of the most important cricket clubs in the world, and its members continue to be involved in many aspects of the sport. The club is still based at Lord's, which is widely regarded as the spiritual home of cricket, and it remains a leading authority on the laws and traditions of the game. The MCC also organizes a wide range of cricket events and competitions, and its members continue to play an important role in the promotion and development of the sport both in England and around the world.
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