Graeme Smith, the former captain of South Africa, has been named commissioner of the country's new T20 league. He will be responsible for managing all activities (both cricket-related and not) and creating a "dynamic brand that displays the power" of the country's cricket.
Smith has a profound understanding of the game thanks to his experience as a player, captain, pundit, ambassador, consultant, and most recently as Cricket South Africa's (CSA) Director of Cricket (DoC). He will aim to make the league one of the greatest in the world.
One of his first duties would be to create the brand and secure the participation of franchises for the annual cricket festival that would be held in the nation. The league's first season is slated to run from January to February 2023.
"I am incredibly honoured to be given the responsibility of directing this innovative new project. I'm passionate about South African cricket and pleased to do all I can to support it. I'm excited about the chance to deliver the new league, which I think will be a highly competitive product, one that can attract the much-needed investment to the game and offer new opportunities for players around the world and, more importantly, our SA homegrown talent " Smith told Cricket South Africa.
We've had overwhelmingly favourable feedback from stakeholders so far, and we've made fantastic progress so far, according to Smith. We're committed to providing a worthwhile, appealing, and sustainable competition for South African cricket.
Pholetsi Moseki, the chief executive of the CSA, welcomed Smith to his new position by saying, "I worked closely with Graeme throughout his stint as DoC and feel he is the best candidate to lead this new chapter of South African cricket."
His in-depth knowledge of both the domestic and international cricketing landscapes will guarantee that the League produces an exciting product that will improve South African cricket.
"This new league promises to make a big investment in South Africa's development and professional cricket, as well as a boost to the nation's socioeconomic situation and tourism industry. We are encouraged by the forward progress we have achieved so far and continue to be on pace to produce a league that will motivate and enthral cricket fans in South Africa and throughout the world, he said.