Former Australian all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar has been elected as the new president of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA).
She replaces Vikram Solanki in the role.
Sthalekar represented the Australian women’s team from 2001 to 2013 before pursuing a career as a broadcast commentator.
Her appointment was confirmed after a FICA Executive Committee meeting held in Nyon, Switzerland this week.
“We are entering a new phase of the game which covers more cricket than ever before for our male and female players,” the 42-year-old Sthalekar said in a statement. “More countries are playing the game, which demonstrates that cricket is certainly becoming a global game.
“I look forward to working on behalf of our member players’ associations and players, and in particular to working with the ICC to ensure that all players have their rights protected and can work in partnership with administrators to make our game even better.”
FICA’s executive chairman Heath Mills said Sthalekar’s previous roles as a board member of the Australian Cricketers’ Association and as an independent director of FICA showed her “long-standing commitment to the players’ association movement and advancing player rights.”
“After consultation with our members, we are delighted to announce Lisa’s appointment as FICA President, our first female President. Lisa was clearly the best candidate and her credentials are unparalleled as both a former player and broadcaster. Her previous roles as an Independent Director of FICA and on the Board of the Australian Cricketers’ Association demonstrate her long-standing commitment to the players’ association movement and advancing player rights. The Ex Co would like to thank Vikram Solanki, our outgoing President, for his significant contributions to FICA over his tenure.”
Before Lisa Sthalekar Barry Richards, Jimmy Adams, and most recently Vikram Solanki have served as FICA Presidents.
The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) was established in 1998 to coordinate the activities of all national players’ associations which protect the interests of professional cricketers throughout the world.
