Of The Players, By The Players, For The Players

Over the past 28 years, the Australian Cricketers' Association has been vital in ensuring the welfare of the cricketers in the country. Gomesh S learns more from its new president.

- Gomesh S

HE past month and a half has been a bit of an exciting phase for Christina Matthews. The most capped Australian female Test cricketer and one of senior cricket administrators in the country, Matthews became the president of Australian Cricketers' Association in December. "I've been doing a lot of reading and understanding the governance of the ACA," an excited Matthews tells this daily. Former Chief Executive Officer of Western Australia Cricket Association, Matthews is the first female president of the organisation that has played an integral part in the welfare and rights of Australian cricketers since its formation in 1997.

In the 28 years since, the ACA and its role in ensuring players come first has been instrumental in keeping the cricketing culture rich and healthy. From getting state and central contracts for the players – men and women – or continually working with the Memorandum of Understanding it has signed with Cricket Australia or ensuring that the athletes have good medical care and are prepared for a life after cricket, the ACA has been with the players in every step.