Lord's to relax pavilion dress code and remove age restrictions for matches in The Hundred

The Home of Cricket will host all of Spirit's men's matches as well as the final in the new competition's inaugural season, and there will be no requirement for those watching on from the famous pavilion to wear a jacket and tie

MCC will relax the dress code in the Lord's pavilion for matches in The Hundred, and there will be no minimum age for entry, in an effort to introduce a wider audience to the sport.

The Home of Cricket will host all of London Spirit's men's matches as well as the final in the new competition's inaugural season, and there will be no requirement for those watching on from the famous pavilion to wear a jacket and tie.

The dress code - "ties and tailored coats and acceptable trousers with appropriate shoes"for men and "dresses; or skirts or trousers worn with blouses, and appropriate shoes" for women - is usually strictly policed, with rare exceptions made only in extreme weather.

However, in a memo to members this week, seen by The Cricketer, the club explained that the traditional expectations would not apply for The Hundred "in support of... the general tone of the competition".

Furthermore, dress regulations for the members' friends enclosures have been eliminated entirely.

Typically, children under the age of 12 are not permitted inside the pavilion, but no such rule will be in place during The Hundred.

Lord's won praise for hosting 250 schoolchildren during the World Cup match between Bangladesh and Pakistan last summer, and MCC is throwing the pavilion doors open once again with a similar objective in mind.

The ECB intends The Hundred to be more accessible to a greater number of young and ethnically diverse families during its first season.

It has invested heavily in its establishment and promotion, and has cut ticket prices to attract families.

Tickets range from £8 to £35 for adults, with under 16s able to gain entry for £5 or less at every venue in both the men's and women's tournaments.

Lord's is also making several of its stands alcohol-free for The Hundred matches, including the lower tier of the Tavern Stand, "to encourage first-time visitors".