Full Member Representative | ICC Women’s Cricket Committee
Avril Fahey’s name resonates across the cricketing world—not only for her prowess on the pitch but for her transformative leadership off it. As a player in an era when women could barely make a living from the sport, she carved out a career marked by resilience, skill, and vision. “I played through the 90s… the ability to earn a living was nil,” she reflects, underscoring the barriers she confronted while laying the foundation for future generations.
Fahey’s domestic career with Western Australia spanned two decades, during which she became the first woman to play 150 matches for the state and captained the Western Fury for five seasons. Internationally, she represented Australia in six Tests and 40 One Day Internationals, contributing to the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup victory in India. Her all-round skills, tactical acumen, and mentorship cultivated talent that continues to enrich Australian cricket.
Transitioning from player to administrator, Fahey shattered glass ceilings. In 2022, she became the first woman to chair the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) Board, overseeing the WACA Ground Improvement Project and securing high-profile events, including the Perth Scorchers’ WBBL matches. She emphasizes, “I had aspirations for the game to have a good future, to be sustainable and to be a place that people love to come,” reflecting a leadership style rooted in passion rather than personal ambition.
Her influence extends beyond cricket. With a Master’s in Human Movement and extensive experience in healthcare leadership, Fahey has served in senior roles at Silver Chain, St John of God Midland Public Hospital, and the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during her playing career, she now advocates for inclusive health programs, particularly for chronic conditions, leveraging sports to foster resilience and community support.
On the global stage, Fahey contributes to the International Cricket Council’s Women’s Cricket Committee and remains a selector for Cricket Australia’s women’s national team. She highlights the importance of accessibility in leadership: “You don’t have to have played at the highest level to understand the game and what’s the best interest of the future of the game.” Her work champions opportunities for women in administration, supporting a pipeline of leaders shaping cricket’s future.
From the paddocks of rural Western Australia to the helm of cricket governance and healthcare strategy, Avril Fahey embodies dedication, vision, and transformative leadership. Her career is a testament to breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and building sustainable pathways in sport and community health—earning her a rightful place on the Women’s Power 50.