Graeme Smith set to become CSA's director of cricket
Former South Africa cricket team captain Graeme Smith is said to have accepted the role of becoming Cricket South Africa's (CSA) director of cricket. The board's president Chris Nenzani said he spoke to Smith. This is a big moment for Smith, who was a champion and took SA to great heights during his career. Here are further details.
Smith has limited time to put things in place
If Smith agrees to take the job, then he will have just over two weeks to put a selection panel and coaching staff in place. He needs to act swiftly with the first of four Tests against England, starting in Centurion on December 26. Of late, Smith has been seen doing cricket commentary. He will hope to take CSA out of the recent crisis.
'I am happy to announce that we have engaged Smith'
"I am happy to announce that we have engaged Graeme Smith and I am confirming that by next week Wednesday all of the negotiations around the contract terms that need to take place would have been concluded," said Nenzani.
CSA in a spot of bother owing to recent crisis
There have been calls for the resignation of Nenzani and the entire board. According to a report in AFP, Nenzani said CSA had been mandated by the organization's members' council - made up of presidents of the 14 provincial affiliates - "to continue to guide us through this period and turn it around." The press conference was called after a tumultuous week.
CSA in crisis as chief executive Moroe got suspended
Meanwhile, during this last week, around five leading journalists had their accreditation withdrawn. Also, a major sponsor announced it would not renew its agreement with CSA and chief executive Thabang Moroe was handed a suspension on charges of misconduct. Nenzani said a lack of trust in Moroe by Smith was a factor in negotiations which were conducted sporadically over a period of three months.
SA Cricketers Association had asked CSA president to step down
Chief Executive of the SA Cricketers Association (SACA), Tony Irish, had asked the CSA president to step down on Friday. However, the Nenzani with his remaining board members refused to resign. Irish said in a tweet: "Appalled that the President and board of CSA have taken no responsibility for cricket's biggest crisis. Now clinging to power."
