“While it was a very difficult decision for me to leave the ACA, I’m very excited about the opportunity and the challenges ahead”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Paul Marsh has resigned as the chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) after agreeing to become head of the Australian Football League (AFL) Players’ Association.
Marsh has always had a love affair with football as he worked with Port Adelaide before becoming the chief executive of the ACA in 2001.
“I have huge respect for the AFL Players’ Association and its members,” Marsh said. “While it was a very difficult decision for me to leave the ACA, I’m very excited about the opportunity and the challenges ahead.
“My leadership belief is based on a partnership approach to achieve better outcomes through collaboration with all key stakeholders working together.
“Central to this, is my strong view that as key stakeholders of our game, players deserve a fair share of the game’s revenues that they help generate, and continue to have their voices heard on all issues pertaining to players and the game. Equally, I am committed to the Players’ Association strategy of the development and implementation of programs and services to players that benefit the individuals, the industry and ensure we deliver a first class sporting workplace to our athletes.”
Australia head coach Darren Lehmann also paid tribute to Marsh for all the work he has done, saying: “Paul has left an indelible mark on both the players and the game. Over a long period he has demonstrated a huge amount of passion, forward thinking and loyalty. In my time as ACA president his views were always highly regarded and helped ensure the players were strongly represented.
“From a personal point of view Paul has provided an enormous amount of support. I’ve really valued his leadership, advice, integrity and mateship. There’s no doubt he’ll be sorely missed but he’s left both domestic and Australian cricketers – as well as the game generally – in a really strong position.”
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland added: “Paul has made a significant contribution to Australian cricket for more than a decade and on behalf of Cricket Australia, we congratulate him on his appointment to lead the AFLPA. I’ve enjoyed a healthy relationship with Paul since he became CEO at the ACA and we’ve worked together in the best interests of Australian cricket.”