Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) Director of Cricket Graeme Smith on Saturday (August 1) hit back at the critics questioning his role at the CSA, saying he was appointed by a really vigorous process.
Smith had joined the CSA as Director of Cricket last December following the suspension of CEO Thabang Moroe and then signed a new two-year deal in that role with the option to extend for a third stint.
However, the former captain has insisted that he remains committed to his role and says he will not be impacted by the same.
In an official release issued by CSA, Smith said: “If you look at some of the things which are being said around appointments, my appointment, and the appointment of my staff, I think some of those things are extremely unfair. It was good to see the President (Chris Nenzani) put that straight with his most recent comments. But I have to come back to my value system and why I got involved in this job.”
He further added, “Cricket South Africa courted me for a while, I went through the same interview process as everybody else in getting the job. I got involved because I have got cricket at heart and to be part of the solution. I want to help create a strong Cricket South Africa.”
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On the severe speculation over Mark Boucher's position as the head coach, former Proteas captain said: “I think the narrative is really unfair. I was appointed by a really vigorous process and didn't go and appoint myself. I've made it clear why I got involved. I made a number of appointments in December, not only Mark Boucher. I brought in the permanent staff like the team manager Volvo (Masubelele), Justin Ontong, Charl Langeveldt, Enoch Nkwe, and the medical staff.”
Smith signed off by saying, “The appointment of Paul Harris was around Keshav Maharaj requesting to work with him for one series. Jacques Kallis hasn't been on the payroll of Cricket South Africa for many months, he worked on an interim basis and it is important to clarify that those appointments were not permanent.”
(With ANI Inputs)
