Christopher Martin-Jenkins, cricket commentator and former president of the Marylebone Cricket Club, has died of cancer. He was 67.
Martin-Jenkins, who was born in Peterborough, joined the BBC as part of the channel’s Test Match Special team in 1973, after a modest cricket career.
He was given an MBE in 2009 and served as the Marylebone Cricket Club’s president in 2010 and 2011.
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Martin-Jenkins was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January 2012, shortly after returning from England’s tour of the United Arab Emirates.
The journalist, also known as CMJ, worked as the BBC ’s cricket correspondent twice, first between 1973 and 1980 and then from 1985 and 1991, while also commentating on the network’s television coverage between 1981 and 1985.
The official Twitter account of Lord’s Cricket Ground said: “Former MCC President Christopher Martin-Jenkins has died. Sad, sad news to start the new year.”
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Martin-Jenkins’ colleague and friend, Jonathan Agnew said he was one of cricket’s most respected writers.
“Desperately sad to tell you that CMJ died peacefully this morning. He was one of cricket’s most respected writers and broadcasters,” tweeted Mr Agnew.
Reacting to his sad demise on Twitter, Charlotte Edwards, captain of the England women’s team, said: “Awful news of Christopher Martin Jenkins passing away, true gentleman and fantastic servant to the game of cricket, he will be missed #ripcmj”.