Graeme Smith appointed as South Africa's permanent Director of Cricket

In a move to reinforce South Africa cricket, former skipper Graeme Smith was appointed as acting director for three months ahead of the four-match Test series against England. Smith was anticipated to be in charge until the commencement of Indian Premier League in March. However, in the recent development of news, Smith has been appointed as Cricket South Africa’s Director of Cricket until the end of March 2022.

Smith has been impressive during his stint as acting director and hence, he has been assigned to serve a two-year term with Cricket South Africa. CSA acting chief Jacques Faul also heaped praise on the former Proteas skipper and said that Smith’s determination and passion has made a huge impact on CSA.

“Graeme has made a huge impact with his energy, expertise, hard work ethic and characteristic determination and passion he has brought to the position during the six months he has served in an acting capacity,” said CSA Acting chief executive Jacques Faul as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“Although there is certainly a great deal of work to be done, as reflected by the performances of our various national teams, he has certainly put our cricket on an upward trajectory that provides light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

Graeme Smith expresses delight after his appointment

Smith made his national debut in 2002 and succeeded Shaun Pollock as the South Africa skipper. He became the youngest ever South African captain at the age of 22. The left-hander was one of the most successful Proteas players and he went on to represent South Africa in 177 Tests, 197 ODIs and 33 T20Is before bidding adieu to the game in 2014.

Post his appointment for two years, Smith expressed his delight and said that he is keen to take the South African cricket forward. However, he still believes that a lot of work still remains to be done to get South African cricket back to where it belongs.

“My appointment brings a degree of permanency to my position which makes planning the road ahead a lot easier,” expressed Smith.

“As Dr Faul has said, there is a lot of work that still needs to be done, not just at international level but throughout our pipeline development pathways as well but I am determined to get South African cricket back to where it belongs as one of the world leaders at the international level,” added the former South Africa skipper.