MCC is the custodian of the Laws and Spirit of Cricket and an innovative independent voice in world cricket. It is also the world's most active cricket-playing club and the owner of Lord's - 'The Home of Cricket'. Playing around 500 games annually, at any given moment in the year, there is usually an MCC team playing or coaching cricket somewhere in the world.

In addition, MCC's World Cricket Committee, established in 2006, provides a platform for discussion for some of the game's greats, including Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Steve Waugh. The Committee's debates and decisions are made solely in the interest of cricket and its players. Furthermore, it is empowered to conduct research, particularly into technological advances and bio-mechanical elements of the game. MCC funds this work as part of its commitment to develop cricket worldwide.

MCC has long believed that cricket should be played in accordance with its traditional 'spirit', as well as within its Laws.

In the late 1990s, two distinguished MCC members (and ex-England captains), Ted Dexter and Lord (Colin) Cowdrey, sought to enshrine the 'Spirit of Cricket' in the game's Laws. This would remind players of their responsibility for ensuring that cricket is always played in a truly sportsmanlike manner.

The Dexter/Cowdrey initiative proved successful and the Spirit of Cricket was incorporated into the Laws of Cricket in the year 2000.

As it says: "Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game. Any action which is seen to abuse this Spirit causes injury to the game itself".

The Preamble goes on to explain the roles and responsibilities of captains, players and umpires in respecting and upholding the Spirit of Cricket.

Since the 2000 Code was published, MCC has promoted the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket around the world - from the grassroots of the game to the elite arena. The Club is grateful for the support of some of the world's best cricketers and those famous for playing the game in the right way. MS Dhoni, Mahela Jayawardene, Brett Lee and Andrew Flintoff are four prime examples.

When MCC coaches go to schools, children are taught the principles behind the Spirit of Cricket, which include teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship, the Laws of the game and learning how to win and lose. Central to the MCC Spirit of Cricket message for all, however, is respect. Respect for one's captain, opponent and the umpires and respect for this great game. Cricket should be played hard and it should be played to win. But respect for the game must prevail.

As cricket embraces Twenty20 it is essential that this respect for the Spirit of Cricket is embraced at all levels of the game; the very best as represented in the Champions League Twenty20 and by every state, county, club and school cricketer throughout the world.

Champions League Twenty20 is proud to be supporting this great initiative from MCC.