Shukri Conrad has recently been appointed as the head coach of South Africa’s white-ball cricket teams. Earlier this week, Conrad officially took over as the head coach of the South African cricket team. He was already serving as the head coach of the Test team, but Cricket South Africa (CSA) has now entrusted him with the additional responsibility of coaching the ODI and T20I sides. Following his appointment, Conrad has emphasized that his focus will be on the national team rather than franchise T20 leagues.
Shukri Conrad succeeds former white-ball coach Rob Walter, who stepped down for personal reasons after completing a two-year tenure. Shukri Conrad appointment as head coach for the ODI and T20 teams will last until the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be hosted in South Africa.
Shukri Conrad Urges Players to Prioritize National Team Over Franchise T20 Leagues
Shukri Conrad, the newly appointed head coach of South Africa’s ODI and T20I teams, has made it clear that he expects players to prioritize representing the national team over participating in franchise T20 leagues. Conrad emphasized that he has communicated this stance to South Africa’s multi-format players, who have expressed their support for his vision.
“It’s clear in black and white — this is when South Africa plays, and I want all my players available to play. If you choose not to play for South Africa, then we will move forward without you,” Conrad stated.
He further explained that the players have been informed of the plan. “The all-format players are aware of it and fully support my approach. We will plan their schedules in advance, including rest periods, which will strictly be for rest and not an opportunity to participate in other leagues,” the 58-year-old coach added.
In recent years, several South African players have prioritized franchise T20 leagues over national duty, leading Cricket South Africa (CSA) to exclude some prominent names from central contracts.
Shukri Conrad also praised former white-ball coach Rob Walter for his successful tenure, which saw South Africa performing well in recent ICC events. The Proteas reached the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
“Rob laid a strong foundation. He achieved great results, as seen in the team’s performances at ICC tournaments. My goal is to build on his achievements,” Conrad commented.
Looking ahead, Shukri Conrad first challenge as the white-ball coach will be South Africa’s T20I and ODI series against Australia in August. The team will play three T20Is and three ODIs on Australian soil. Before that, Conrad will coach the Test team in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final and a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe in June.