Graeme Smith rubbishes reports of him being appointed as director of Cricket South Africa

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith had made quite a wave with his decision to put his name in the hat for the Cricket South Africa director position sometime back. With the cricket in the country going through its toughest phase both domestically and internationally, the administration needed an experienced hand like him.

However, the elation died soon after as for some reason, Smith took his name back from the consideration. South Africa was extremely poor in the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. On top of that, they have lost some of their top players to England county sides to Kolpal deals, securing their futures financially by sacrificing international careers after being ignored in their own country.

Smith was quoted by Sunday Times as saying, “I would love to have taken on the role. However, despite my obvious desire to make a difference during the long and, at times, frustrating process over the last 10 or so weeks of discussions, I have not developed the necessary confidence that I would be given the level of freedom and support to initiate the initial changes.”

Graeme Smith calms rumours of him being appointed Director of Cricket by CSA

There were rumours of him signing a deal already with the Cricket South Africa as its director. He was supposed to sign a four-year deal which would have lasted until the 2023 World Cup in India. But the truth of the matter, as confirmed by Smith himself on Monday, is that no deal has yet been agreed.

“Contrary to media reports I have not been appointed Director of Cricket by CSA. As previously advised, I withdrew my application for the role. I am, however, in ongoing discussions with CSA, but I still have real concerns, which I have reiterated to them,” Smith tweeted.

“Contrary to media reports I have not been appointed Director of Cricket by CSA. As previously advised I withdrew my application for the role. I am, however, in ongoing discussions with CSA, but I still have real concerns, which I have reiterated to them.”

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) December 2, 2019

The position is currently held in an acting capacity by former coach Corrie van Zyl, who is suspended. Smith was interviewed for the position last month but withdrew his name. “My passion for our nation’s cricketing fortunes remains steadfast and I give my heartfelt best wishes to whoever does take the role on. I will continue to support the teams and give advice and guidance wherever I can,” he had said.