Graeme Smith takes over as South Africa's director of cricket

Sport360 staff 14:41 12/12/2019
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  • Former captain Graeme Smith has been appointed South Africa’s first director of cricket on a temporary basis.

    Smith has taken on the job for three months after which he would travel to India to do commentary in the Indian Premier League from March 23 to May 12.

    Whether he would return to the job after May remains to be seen.

    The 38-year-old’s tenure will start with the England series that begins on Boxing Day and end with the limited-overs series against Australia.

    Smith’s primary objective would be to appoint a national selection panel and permanent coaching staff for the Proteas.

    Since he is in charge for a short term, Smith will not be involved in the U-19 World Cup that will be held in January, 2020 or the Women’s T20 World Cup which will be played between February and March, 2020.

    On accepting the role, Smith said, “I’ve publicly stated a number of times that I would love to assist Cricket South Africa in this difficult time, particularly in developing this new role of director of cricket.”

    “I’m still as passionate about South African cricket as I ever was, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the role. There is a lot of work to be done in the next few weeks and months and my objective will always be to make a positive impact during my tenure.”

    Acting chief executive office Jacques Faul, who finalized the deal with Smith after months of negotiation, was delighted with the appointment.

    “I am delighted that Graeme has agreed to assist Cricket South Africa up until the IPL next year, ” said Faul.”

    “Obviously, Graeme has had his concerns during the course of the last few months, but I am pleased to say that we have overcome those concerns and I look forward to working with him to urgently address pressing cricketing matters in particular.

    “Graeme is … a natural leader and his knowledge of the game is second to none. To have him on board to work with the professional cricket arm of CSA, as well as the cricketing pipeline, which is so vital for our game, is a massive shot in the arm for CSA during this period.”

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