Smith to lead SA's new domestic T20 league

Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith has been tasked with running South Africa's new Twenty20 professional league, Cricket South Africa have announced.

South Africa is set to welcome a major new competition to rival the likes of the Indian Premier League and Australia's Big Bash League, and replaces what was previously known as the CSA T20 Challenge.

The new league will have broadcasters SuperSport as one of its major shareholders alongside CSA, and the former Director of Cricket will be in charge of all things on and off the pitch as the competition commissioner.

"Among his first orders of business will be to develop the brand and confirm the participating franchises for the cricket fest to take place annually in South Africa, the inaugural event of which is scheduled to take place in January and February 2023," reads a statement from the association.

Commenting on the appointment, Cricket SA's new CEO Pholetsi Moseki believes Smith's understanding of the game both domestically and on the international stage makes him the perfect fit for the role.

"I worked closely with Graeme during his role as DoC and believe he is the perfect candidate to lead this new chapter of South African cricket," Moseki said.

"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."

By Web Admin