Shane Watson Appointed As Australian Cricketers Association's President

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has been appointed as the President of the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA). The decision comes after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the body on November 11 (Monday) in Sydney.

Watson, who has been one of the best all-rounders to represent the Aussies, will now be a part of the extended ten-person board. The board also witnessed three new appointments – current Australian players Pat Cummins and Kristen Beams and former Australian cricketer, Lisa Sthalekar.

Speaking on his appointment, Shane Watson said he feels honoured and seemed excited about the opportunity. He will have big shoes to fill and looks at it as an opportunity to give something back to the game which has given him so much.

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“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

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Shane Watson, who has represented Australia in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is hailed Cricket Australia’s parental policy for women cricketers. He also said that mental health issues of the cricketers will be taken up seriously in the near future as it is no more a taboo.

“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 will be able to have a career,” Watson said to crickt.com.au.

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.

After the fresh appointments, the Australian Cricketers Association’s Board office-bearers are as follows:

Shane Watson- Initial President and Elected Director

Greg Dyer- Initial chair and Elected Director

Aaron Finch- Elected Director

Alyssa Healy- Elected Director

Pat Cummins- Elected Director

Kristen Beams- Elected Director

Moises Henriques- Elected Director

Lisa Sthalekar- Appointed Director

Neil Maxwell- Appointed Director

Janet Torney- Appointed Director