1806 was the 20th season of cricket in England since the foundation of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The first two Gentlemen v Players matches took place, but the fixture was not played again until 1819.

Honours

• Most runs^[1] – William Lambert 276 (HS 64)
• Most wickets^[1] – Thomas Howard 21

Events

• The inaugural Gentlemen v Players match was held.
• With the Napoleonic War continuing, loss of investment and manpower impacted cricket and only 7 first-class matches have been recorded in 1806:
  • 16–18 June: All-England v Hampshire @ Lord's Old Ground^[2]
  • 30 June: All-England v Surrey @ Lord's Old Ground^[2]
  • 7–9 July: Gentlemen v Players @ Lord's Old Ground^[2]
  • 14–16 July: Surrey v All-England @ Moulsey Hurst^[2]
  • 21 & 25 July: Gentlemen v Players @ Lord's Old Ground^[2]
  • 5–6 August: Kent v All-England @ Bowman's Lodge, Dartford^[2]
  • 25–28 August: Hampshire v All-England @ Itchin Stoke Down^[2]

Debutants

1806 debutants included:

• John Willes (Kent)
• Richard Leigh (Surrey; amateur)