Commissioner for CSA’s New T20 league: South Africa’s former captain and opening batter Graeme Smith has been appointed the commissioner for CSA’s new T20 league.
Commissioner for CSA’s new T20 league
South Africa’s new T20 league was scheduled to start in January and February next year. Graeme Smith who is the only player to captain a side in 100 Tests announced his international retirement on 2014.
“Smith brings with him tremendous experience and understanding of the game, having worked in the sport as a player, captain, commentator, ambassador, consultant and more recently as Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Director of Cricket (DoC),” CSA said in a media release.
Earlier, he was appointed as director of cricket for the South Africa national cricket team in mid-December 2019 initially on a temporary three-month stint and after the three-month stint in an interim capacity as director of cricket, he was also slated for a commentary role for the 2020 Indian Premier League.
“His understanding of the game will add tremendous strength to the League. Recognised for his leadership qualities and decisive, clear thinking, Smith will lead the League which, outside of CSA, has SuperSport as one of its major shareholders,” the release added.
His three-year tenure as director of the South African team ended on 31 March 2022 with immediate effect. Smith decided not to reapply for the post following the outcome of the SJN Hearings. READ: Independent Arbitration Panel Clears Graeme Smith of Racism Allegations
“I’m extremely honoured to be entrusted with leading this exciting new venture. I’m deeply committed to South African cricket and happy to serve the game as best I can,” Smith said about his new role.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to deliver the new league which I believe will be an extremely competitive product, one that can bring the much-needed investment into the game and provide new opportunities for players around the world and more importantly to our SA homegrown talent.
The response from stakeholders has been very positive thus far and we’ve made great progress in the initial stages,” he added.
Pholetsi Moseki, the chief executive of Cricket South Africa, called Smith the perfect candidate for the job.
“His expert understanding of the local and international cricketing environment will ensure the League delivers a thrilling product that will change the face of South African cricket for the better.
“This new league promises to make a significant investment into both professional cricket and development in South Africa, along with a positive socio-economic and tourism injection into the country.
We are excited by the positive strides we have made so far and remain on track to deliver a league to inspire and entertain cricket fans around SA and the world,” said Moseki.
