Jun 22, Kathmandu: Former Australian cricketer Lisa Sthalekar was appointed as the president of the Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) at the FICA Executive Committee meeting held in Nyon, Switzerland this week.

Sthalekar is the first woman president of FICA as she joins the list of past players who have been FICA Presidents since its formation, including Barry Richards, Jimmy Adams, and most recently Vikram Solanki. FICA Executive Chairman Heath Mills praised Lisa and the outgoing president Solanki.

He said, "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.”

The 42-year-old was announced at a meeting of the FICA Executive Committee in Nyon, Switzerland. Former England batsman Vikram Solanki will hand over the baton to Sthalekar. Former South Africa batsman Barry Richards and former West Indies all-rounder Jimmy Adams are among those who have previously held the job.

Sthalekar played in 187 international games for Australia. She won the Belinda Clarke Award in 2007 and 2008, which is given to Australia’s top female international player. In the 2010 T20 World Cup final, she was instrumental in Australia’s victory.