Discussions ongoing with CSA regarding Director of Cricket role, says Graeme Smith

Smith had turned down the job last month, citing he isn't confident that he'll be given full freedom to perform the role.

Graeme Smith | Getty

In an important development, legendary captain Graeme Smith has once again resumed discussions with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to be their new Director of Cricket – a post created in the wake of country’s dismal performances in 2019.

Read Also: AB de Villiers wants South Africa to exploit the vast experience of Kallis‚ Boucher and Smith

Taking to Twitter, Smith on Monday (December 2) confirmed he is again in talks with CSA. However, the 38-year-old dismissed the reports that he had already been appointed.

"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," he wrote.

Smith had been encouraged to apply for the high-profile post by CSA chief executive officer Thabang Moroe as the organization seeks a long-term replacement for Ottis Gibson, whose contract was not renewed after the team’s lacklustre showing in World Cup.

Smith turned down the job last month, citing he isn't confident that he'll be given full freedom to perform the role.

The Director of Cricket will supervise all cricket played under Cricket South Africa’s ambit, which includes the national teams, high-performance, age-group structures, and the domestic set-up.

Proteas are going through a tough time after the retirements of some big names such as AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla and Morne Morkel in the last 18 months.

Faf du Plessis and company failed to qualify for the last-four stage in World Cup 2019 and followed it up with a miserable tour of India, where they got whitewashed 3-0 in the Test series. Earlier this year, they had also lost a home Test series to Sri Lanka.

(Inputs from Reuters)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 02 Dec, 2019

    Share Via