It was founded as the Penang Cricket Club in 1900. It moved to its current location in 1939, and assumed its current name in 1947. Its membership was restricted to white people only during colonial times, and even though that restriction was lifted following Malayan independence in 1957, it remains one of Penang's most exclusive private clubs to this day. The club's field today serves as Penang's main cricket ground, and regularly hosts tournaments with both Malaysian and foreign clubs.