Isa Guha, the former England seam bowler, has been appointed a Non-Executive Director of the Professional Cricketers’ Association. Guha was a Women’s World Cup, World Twenty20 and Ashes winner during a distinguished international playing career and has since made the successful transition to broadcasting as a freelance television presenter and commentator, working for ESPN, Sky Sports, ITV4, IMG, Sony and Star in tournaments around the world and, in radio, for BBC’s Test Match Special and Triple M.
Guha becomes the first woman to sit on the board of the PCA and strengthens the Association’s links with the rapidly expanding women’s game as all England’s centrally-contracted female players are now PCA members.
“I am delighted to be joining the PCA as a Non-Executive Director at an exciting time for the game here in England for our men and women at both domestic and international levels,” Guha said. “I look forward to working with the team at the PCA, and with all the many past and present players, as the country prepares for a number of major events, starting with the ICC Champions Trophy and the Women’s World Cup this summer.”
Guha became the first woman of Asian origin to represent England in cricket when she made her debut in 2002. She played 113 international matches for England across all formats and took 138 wickets. When she retired from international cricket in 2012, Guha was the second highest wicket-taker for England in Women’s One Day Internationals, including a best of five for 14 against the West Indies at Loughborough in 2008.
She helped England retain the Ashes later the same year by taking 9-100 in the match, to set up a six wicket win in the only Test at Bowral. Guha combined cricket with studying for a BSc Hons degree in Biochemistry at University College London and has since completed an MPhil in Neuroscience.
“Isa has a vast knowledge of the game from both a men’s and women’s perspective, firstly through her time as a player and more recently from her work in the media on a global stage,” said David Leatherdale, PCA Chief Executive.
“As someone who was at the forefront of the women’s game after making her debut for England in 2002, and with our international women players now full members of the PCA, I am sure Isa will bring real insight to the PCA Board as we grow and support all areas of the professional game.”
Guha is an ambassador for the British Asian Trust, Sporting Equals and a supporter of Cricket United, a joint appeal between the PCA Professional Cricketers’ Trust, Lord’s Taverners and Chance to Shine.
