Former all-rounder Shane Watson has been appointed as the president of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA). It's a role, Watson says, that will help him "to give back to the game" after a significant career that saw him play over 300 international games for Australia besides serving his domestic state side and Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Watson's appointment was made official after the ACA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday (November 11).
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"I am truly honoured to be elected as the President of the ACA as it evolves into the future," Watson tweeted. "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 could turn up for Chennai Super Kings again in Indian Premier League next year, is 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.
"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," he was further quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
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," the 38-year-old said. "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. The body now also manages the Australian Cricketers’ Retirement Account, which benefits Australia’s professional cricketers once their careers are over.
(Inputs from cricket.com.au)
