Virtuoso Australian cricketer Lisa Sthalekar has become the first woman president of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (FICA).
Sthalekar, 42, former Australia skipper was vouched in the role at the FICA Executive Committee meeting organized in Nyon, Switzerland.
She will take up the charge that has previously been held by former South Africa batter Barry Richards, former West Indies all-rounder Jimmy Adams, and most recently by former England batter Vikram Solanki.
“Lisa Sthalekar has been confirmed as FICA’s President at the FICA Executive Committee meeting held in Nyon, Switzerland this week,” the FICA cited in a statement.
“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,” FICA Executive Chairman Heath Mills stated.
Sthalekar, on her part, stated, “We are entering a new phase of the game which covers more cricket than ever before for our male and female players. 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”, she added.
Sthalekar represented Australia in 187 international games across the 3 formats and was an integral part of the Australian teams that triumphed the ODI World Cups in 2005 and 2013 and T20 World Cups in 2010 and 2012.
She retired from play following Australia’s 2013 ODI World Cup victory in Mumbai after making her debut as a hard-hitting batter in 2003.
She was at top in ODIs, smashing 2728 runs in 125 matches with 2 centuries and 16 half-centuries. Her off-spin was a highly effectual weapon as well. She still persists among the top 10 wicket-takers in 50-overs cricket.
She was the first woman to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in ODI cricket.
