Mark Wallace Replaces Solanki as Professional Cricketers’ Association Chairman

Glamorgan captain Mark Wallace will succeed Vikram Solanki as chairman of the Professional Cricketers’ Association following it’s annual general meeting on January 30.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Wallace, 31, was chosen ahead of Northamptonshire batsman Stephen Peters, Leicestershire’s former England seam bowler Matthew Hoggard and Surrey seamer Jon Lewis.

Solanki, 36, who has joined Surrey from Worcestershire for next season, has stepped down after serving as PCA chairman for two terms, a total of four years.

PCA chief executive Angus Porter said: “Vikram has seen the PCA through some challenging times, and when I joined the association he had served a period as interim chief executive, which makes us doubly grateful for the contribution he has made over the last four years.

“He is a man of great character and integrity, universally respected throughout the game, and Mark is an outstanding choice to continue the good work Vikram has done, while adding a mark of his own.”

One-county man Wallace, who made his senior debut in 1999, said: “Filling Vikram’s sizeable shoes is a daunting challenge, and on behalf of all the players, I’d like to thank him for everything he has done as PCA chairman.

“I’m a big believer that the PCA is about the players – and by that I mean all the players, from the greenest rookies to oldest pros – and I look forward to playing my part in ensuring that the PCA is on hand to enhance the careers and lives of cricketers, past present and future, as much as possible.”

The PCA has also appointed Paul Garrett to the newly created post of finance director. The management of the PCA’s finances was previously outsourced to Dyke Yaxley, who will continue to manage the finances of the Team England Player Partnership and the PCA Benevolent Fund.

Garrett qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG and has over 20 years of experience, much of it at board level in finance director roles in advertising agencies. His experience includes guiding relatively small businesses through a period of sustained and successful growth.