Graeme Smith Excited To Rebuild South Africa Squad With End Of Koplak Era

The Koplak deal has cost dearly to South Africa in the recent years. At least 45 South African players have chose to sign the deal over representing their nation. But as Britain’s decision to leave the European Union is set to have an impact on sport way beyond the United Kingdom and nullification of Kolpak contracts from December 2020, newly appointed Cricket South Africa (CSA) Graeme Smith is excited to rebuild the squad, with the returning set of players.

According to a report in thesouthafrican.com, Kyle Abbott, Simon Harmer and Duanne Olivier are considered for Proteas selection in the future solely rests on the individuals.

Graeme Smith opens door for Koplak players’ return

Graeme Smith is ready to re-include and re-build the national squad. But the decision lies in the hands of the players if they want to represent South Africa again. Smith has shown willingness to include the best players in the squad.

“With Kolpak coming to an end, I guess the willingness is always to have our best players in the system,” Smith was quoted as saying by Reuters.

“It is up to the players to come back into the system and to make decisions on their careers.

“From our perspective, we want to encourage all our best players to play here domestically, and then give themselves the opportunity to be selected for the national side.”

Rilee Rossouw, Daniel Bedingham and Kyle Abbott are some of the other South Africa players plying their trade in county championship besides retired players as Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.