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Lisa Sthalekar has been appointed as the new president of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations, becoming the first female to hold the role.

Former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar will spearhead world cricket's players' union after becoming the first female to lead the global body.

Sthalekar was this week voted in as the new president of the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA) at a meeting in Switzerland, replacing Vikram Solanki who had held the role since 2017.

Sthalekar's appointment comes after she was previously a director of the Australian Cricketers Association, as well as an independent director at FICA.

Her appointment comes at a crucial time in the global game, with an increase in domestic Twenty20 leagues and rising financial value in the Indian Premier League.

Sthalaker will also no doubt have an influence on the recent warning from the International Cricket Council of a reduction of the already limited number of Tests in the women's game.

That has been met with a sharp rebuke from players from several nations.

"I'm extremely honoured and excited to be FICA's new President," said Sthalaker, who played 187 matches for Australia across all formats.

"We are entering a new phase of the game which covers more cricket than ever before for our male and female players.

"More countries are playing the game which demonstrates that cricket is certainly becoming a global game.

"I look forward to working on behalf of our member players' associations and players, and in particular to working with the ICC to ensure that all players have their rights protected."