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 – William Lambert 276 (HS 64) Most wickets – 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 30 June: All-England v Surrey @ Lord's Old Ground 7–9 July: Gentlemen v Players @ Lord's Old Ground 14–16 July: Surrey v All-England @ Moulsey Hurst 21 & 25 July: Gentlemen v Players @ Lord's Old Ground 5–6 August: Kent v All-England @ Bowman's Lodge, Dartford 25–28 August: Hampshire v All-England @ Itchin Stoke Down
Debutants
1806 debutants included: John Willes (Kent) Richard Leigh (Surrey; amateur)