Graeme Smith Dismisses Claims Of CSA Appointment As Director Of Cricket

Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has denied reports that he has already penned a deal that will make him South Africa’s director of cricket. Earlier, there were widespread speculations that Graeme Smith is back and has been appointed CSA’s Director of Cricket. But the truth was confirmed by Graeme Smith himself on Monday. He confirmed that no deal has yet been agreed.

Graeme Smith who is the most successful Test skipper in cricket history with 53 wins was asked to apply by CSA chief executive officer Thabang Moroe as the organization is desperately looking for a long-term replacement for Ottis Gibson, whose contract was not extended after a sub-standard World Cup show in England. South Africa went from bad to worse in the marquee event, registering only three wins and losing five games.

Smith denies speculations of CSA recruitment as Director of Cricket

Earlier, in November 14, Smith had politely turned down the job as he announced in a statement that he was withdrawing his application in order to make the required changes but a report in South Africa’s Sunday Times quoted that he had now been persuaded to accept the offer.

“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 said via Twitter.

Read More: Graeme Smith Turns Down Cricket South Africa’s Director Role

Smith went on to call previous discussions with Cricket South Africa a “frustrating process”. “I would love to have taken on the role. However, despite my obvious desire to make a difference during the long and, at times, frustrating process over the last 10 or so weeks of discussions, I have not developed the necessary confidence that I would be given the level of freedom and support to initiate the required changes.”

Thabang Moroe came under fire for the duration of time it has taken to fill the role which was vacated by Gibson in late August, particularly with a challenging four-test home series against England that will go all guns blazing on Boxing Day [December 26].