Flintoff elected as PCA president

Andrew Flintoff, England's Ashes-winning allrounder and former captain, has been elected the new President of the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Flintoff was elected on Tuesday at the PCA's annual general meeting at Edgbaston Golf Club on Tuesday, and succeeds his fellow Lancastrian David Lloyd to become only the seventh President in the Association's history.

His tenure will include the PCA's 50th anniversary celebrations next year, when a number of high profile events are planned.

"This is a huge honour, especially as it will be the Golden Jubilee of the PCA in 2017," Flintoff said. "I have been a PCA member for more than 20 years now and it is an organisation that I am proud to be involved in.

"The Association has carried out pioneering work on mental health and wellbeing for past and present players through the Mind Matters series and the PCA Benevolent Fund does outstanding work in looking after players, past and current, and their dependants who fall on hard times.

"We have a small but dedicated team of professional staff who I look forward to working closely with during my time as President."

Jason Ratcliffe, the PCA assistant chief executive, said: "Fred has always offered his help freely down the years, so it's fantastic that he will take up this prestigious honorary role. He has transcended cricket since finishing, and as the last terrestrial cricketing hero, he has earned respect and universal popularity. We're all looking forward to having him on-board especially over our 50th anniversary"

The previous holders of the PCA presidency are John Arlott, Jack Bannister, Mike Gatting, Sir Ian Botham, Chris Broad and Lloyd, who was pleased with the identity of his successor.

"I'm delighted to hand over the reins to Freddie who I know will be as thrilled as I was to become PCA President," Lloyd said.

"It's an honour that is bestowed on very few and to head an organisation that does so much to help so many is a huge privilege."

The PCA will also have a new chief executive starting in March, with David Leatherdale, the former Worcestershire batsman, set to replace Angus Porter.