CALCUTTA (India): Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was appointed as the president of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA).
The appointment was made at the ACA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney on Monday.
“I am truly honoured to be elected as ACA President. It evolves into the future. I have big shoes to fill with the people who have gone before me. I am super excited about this opportunity,” Watson tweeted.
The 38-year-old had represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is.
Watson will be part of an extended 10-person board which includes three new appointments — current Australian players Pat Cummins and Kristen Beams, and cricket commentator and former Australian cricketer, Lisa Sthalekar.
Watson also praised Cricket Australia’s parental policy for women cricketers.
“The policy assures Australian women that cricket is a sport which can now support you and your family. And for girls coming through who love sport, like my daughter, it says that cricket is a sport where you’ll be able to have a career,” he added.
The expanded board is part of a revised governance structure for the ACA, which now also manages the Australian Cricketers’ Retirement Account, which benefits Australia’s professional cricketers once their careers are over.
The revised structure also splits the role of President and Chair, which will continue to be held by Greg Dyer.
Last week, Cricket Australia had appointed former player Melanie Jones as their director.
