He will be responsible for the Test and limited-overs formats. At 58, Conrad is determined to seize control of South Africa’s cricket. He’ll lead the team through an important transitional period, leading into the 2027 World Cup that South Africa will co-host.
Conrad had since moved up to take overall charge of the red-ball team for 2023. Since then, he has been the force behind transformation within South African cricket. Under his stewardship, the national team enjoyed its most profound success to date, with players helming a glorious run to the World Test Championship final. They’ll meet their Australian counterparts at Lord’s starting June 11. This accomplishment points to Conrad’s incredible ability to lead a young team on the world’s biggest stage.
As a part of his expanded role, Conrad will now take charge of South Africa’s ODI and T20 squads. His contract extends to the end of the 2027 World Cup, a critical tournament for the nation that will showcase its cricketing talent on home soil.
Conrad’s inaugural duty in the shorter format will be a four-match T20 tour to Zimbabwe, scheduled for July. This tour will serve as an important opportunity for the team to prepare for subsequent challenges. After the Zimbabwe tour, South Africa go straight to Australia and England on white-ball tours. These games will be a baptism by fire into the demanding world of global cricket.
Conrad’s first assignment will be to take South Africa into a one-off Test match with Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. He’ll be at the helm for the T20 tour. This game will come before the T20 leg of the tour, so smart tactics and strategy will be necessary on both fronts and be very important.
With Shukri Conrad’s expansion, South Africa has similarly illustrated their commitment to building a stronger cricketing infrastructure and output. His experience and record of success in getting big things done makes him the right person to help lead the agency through this critical and exciting transition period.
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