Melbourne, November 12: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has been appointed as the President of  (ACA). He was appointed as the head of the association during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney. Watson is now a part of an extended ten-person board which includes three new appointments-- current Australian players Pat Cummins and Kristen Beams 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," Watson said in an official statement. Shane Watson on MS Dhoni, 'He is Still Playing Incredibly Well'.

Watson also lauded Cricket Australia's recently introduced 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. 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.

After the fresh appointments, the Australian Cricketers Association's Board office-bearers are as follows:Shane Watson- Initial President and Elected DirectorGreg Dyer- Initial chair and Elected DirectorAaron Finch- Elected DirectorAlyssa Healy- Elected DirectorPat Cummins- Elected DirectorKristen Beams- Elected DirectorMoises Henriques- Elected DirectorLisa Sthalekar- Appointed DirectorNeil Maxwell- Appointed DirectorJanet Torney- Appointed DirectorEarlier on Wednesday, Cricket Australia had announced the appointment of former player Melanie Jones as their Director.

Jones, who debuted for the international team in 1997, was recognized with one of Australia's highest honour, Medal of the Order of Australia, this year. Her cricket career spanned from 1995 to 2011.

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