Graeme Smith appointed South Africa's director of cricket till March 2020

After a prolonged struggle, Cricket South Africa (CSA) could hope for an end of the black tunnel with former captain Graeme Smith taking over as the director of cricket. Months of administrative mismanagement and poor leadership have left the nation’s cricketing affairs in a mess. But with the 38-year-old deciding to take up the role as the first person, a positive turn is what SA’s cricket lovers are expecting.

Smith, who has been one of SA’s long-serving captains who took up the role in his early 20s, will be in for only three months for he has a prior commitment of doing commentary in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Will he resume his administrative role after the IPL gets over? According to a report in Cricbuzz, he did not respond immediately when asked.

“I am delighted that Graeme has agreed to assist CSA up until the IPL next year,” a CSA release quoted Jacques Faul, the body’s acting chief executive as saying. “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 statistically the most successful Test captain in the history of the game. He 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,” he further added.

Graeme Smith still as passionate about SA cricket

Graeme Smith, who recently got married for the second time, has captained South Africa in 108 of the 116 Tests he played for them and won 53. He said he was always looking forward to doing something for his country’s cricket about which he is still passionate.

“I’ve publicly stated a number of times that I would love to assist CSA 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,” he said.

The Proteas, who were thrashed by India in a Test series recently, will take on a strong England side at home next and with no selection panel in place at the moment, Smith will have his task cut out in putting things in order.

Recently, former India captain Sourav Ganguly took over as the chief of the country’s cricket board and there is a high expectation that he will bring some positive changes. South African supporters will also hope the same with Smith. CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe was recently removed on the charges of misconduct and one believes it made Smith’s entry easier.

Watch – Tabraiz Shamsi’s shoe celebration in MSL 2019