Former all-rounder Shane Watson has been appointed as the president of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), a position, that according to him will help him “to give back to the game”. The appointment was made at the ACA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place in Sydney on Monday night. Watson had represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is.
Shane Watson appointed Australian Cricketers’ Association
Following his appointment, Watson tweeted, “I am truly honoured to be elected as the President of the ACA as it evolves into the future. I have big shoes to fill with the people who have gone before me and I am super excited about this opportunity to continue to give back to the game that has given me so much.”
Watson who has been performing consistently for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is a part of an extended 10-person board that includes three new appointments including current Australian players Pat Cummins and Kristen Beams, and cricket commentator and former Australian cricketer, Lisa Sthalekar.
As quoted by auscricket.com.au, the 38-year-old Watson said, “Through a period of immense change, the players have been, and will continue to be, a strong voice in protecting what’s made our game of cricket great, while embracing opportunities that change inevitably brings.”
The star all-rounder has also praised Cricket Australia’s parental policy for women cricketers. He said, “This policy, amid a host of other changes, 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.”
The expanded board is part of a revised governance structure for the ACA, which now also manages the Australian Cricketers’ Retirement Account that will benefit Australia’s professional cricketers after their retirement. The revised structure also splits the role of President and Chair, which will continue to be held by Greg Dyer.
Earlier last week, Cricket Australia had appointed former player Melanie Jones as their director.
Jones debuted for the international team in 1997 and was recognized with one of Australia’s highest honour, Medal of the Order of Australia, this year. Her cricket career spanned from 1995 to 2011.
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