Australian Cricketers' Association gets new president in Shane Watson

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson on Monday (November 11) after being appointed as the president of the country’s cricket association said that the position will help him to “give back to the game”.

The appointment was made at the Australia Cricketers’ Association’s (ACA) Annual General Meeting which took place in Sydney on Monday night.

“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 tweeted following his appointment.

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. pic.twitter.com/U8q4dmswWS

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) November 11, 2019

Watson, who had represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is and has performed consistently for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is a part of an extended 10-person board.

The ACA also includes three new appointments of current Australian players Pat Cummins and Kristen Beams, and cricket commentator and former Australian cricketer, Lisa Sthalekar.

Hear from our new President @ShaneRWatson33 & Directors @patcummins30 & @sthalekar93 about their vision for the Australian Cricketers' Association & their new roles on the Board.

More here – https://t.co/eMQH08HnLi pic.twitter.com/Zck4TXJ3mh

— Aust Cricketers Assn (@ACA_Players) November 12, 2019

“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,” Watson was quoted as saying by ‘auscricket.com.au’.

The 38-year-old Watson also praised Cricket Australia’s parental policy for women cricketers.

“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 star all-rounder said.

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.

Jones, who debuted for the international team in 1997, was recognised with one of Australia’s highest honour, Medal of the Order of Australia, this year. Her cricket career spanned from 1995 to 2011.

(With inputs from agencies)