Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara appointed first non-British president of MCC

Former wicketkeeper to begin one-year tenure at body that acts as guardian of cricket laws in October

Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara (R) is watched by England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler as he plays a shot during the seventh and final One Day International (ODI) match between Sri Lanka and EnglandShow more

Former Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed as the first non-British president of Marylebone Cricket Club.

Sangakkara, a former wicketkeeper and top-order batsman, will begin his one-year tenure in October having been nominated by the incumbent Anthony Wreford.

The 41-year-old is already an honorary life member of MCC and has sat on its influential world cricket committee for the past seven years.

"It is a huge honour to be named the next president of MCC and it is a role that I am thoroughly looking forward to," he said.

"For me, MCC is the greatest cricket club in the world, with its global reach and continued progress for cricket on and off the pitch."

MCC, which owns Lord's and acts as the guardian of the laws of the game, was founded in 1787 and lists 168 presidents in its history.

That number includes one member of the royal family, 13 knights and six baronets but, until now, nobody from overseas.

Wreford said: "As MCC looks to broaden both our horizons and international reputation, I'm delighted that Kumar has accepted the invitation, which he did in January this year, to be the next president of MCC.

"He is an outstanding individual both on and off the field and will make a huge contribution to the club. In a World Cup and Ashes year he will also have a significant role to play as president designate."