Commentator

Player Representative | ICC Women’s Cricket Committee

Lisa Sthalekar leads the charge for players worldwide as president of the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA), representing athletes across formats, countries, and careers. Her work focuses on ensuring fair treatment, equitable pay, and professional support for cricketers navigating the complexities of the sport today. Her advocacy began in Australia with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), where she helped establish female representation on the board. “I’ve been part of ACA on and off since 2011… at the end of the day, everyone’s trying to make the sport better, but we’re all coming from it at different angles,” she says, reflecting on the foundations that shaped her approach to player representation.

While Sthalekar’s leadership spans all players, she has also been a vocal champion for women in cricket. “There is still a huge amount of work that needs to be done to ensure that females are involved in every aspect of the game because that diversity… can only strengthen the game,” she observes, highlighting her role in advancing pathways, mentorship, and equitable conditions for female athletes. Her influence has helped elevate the profile and professionalism of women’s cricket, creating structures that support both emerging talent and established players.

A Hall of Fame all-rounder, Sthalekar retired in 2013 after 125 ODIs, eight Tests, and 54 T20Is, scoring over 3,900 runs and taking 229 wickets. She was part of four World Cup-winning squads—2005, 2010, 2012, and 2013—and achieved the historic ODI double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets. “What I try and say to this generation is what do you want the game to look like in ten years time, five years time even? How do you want to help shape the game?” she says, emphasizing the importance of players’ voices in shaping cricket’s future.

Sthalekar has also been a pioneer in commentary, breaking ground as one of the first female voices in the Indian Premier League, while mentoring the next generation of broadcasters. Her entrepreneurship through Around the Wickets, a women-focused cricket travel company, allows fans to engage with the sport on a deeper level. “We want to give passionate fans a community… to enjoy the atmosphere of the game changing and packed stadiums and getting to see their best players up close,” she says.

In coaching and development, Sthalekar continues to influence the game as youth academy director for the Sydney Sixers and mentor for the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League. From elite athlete to global advocate, commentator, and entrepreneur, she blends expertise, mentorship, and vision to strengthen professional pathways, amplify player voices, and expand the reach of cricket globally. Lisa Sthalekar’s impact spans the pitch, the boardroom, and the broadcast booth, securing her place among the most influential figures in the sport today.