New white-ball coach Shukri Conrad wants Proteas to be 'best in the world' across formats

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has taken a significant step in its strategic restructuring by appointing Shukri Conrad as the head coach of the Proteas Men’s all-format team. 

It confirmed Independent Media’s report back on April 1 already stating that Conrad would succeed former Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter after his sudden resignation. 

Conrad has been at the helm of the Test squad since January 2023 and will now extend his influence on the white-ball formats, starting with the T20 International tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in July.

The 58-year-old will lead the national team through to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which is poised to take place on home soil. This decision comes as part of CSA's broader initiative to revitalise the national team structure, which further includes the return of a National Convenor of Selection.

Enoch Nkwe, CSA’s Director of National Teams and High Performance, heralded Conrad’s appointment.

“Shukri’s track record with the red-ball team speaks for itself. He has laid a solid foundation and instilled a strong identity within the Test environment. I’m excited to see him bring the profile and structure to the white-ball space,” Nkwe said.

“Having been part of the national setup over the past two years, he understands the demands of international cricket. He has also established sound relationships with the players and we have no doubt that he is the best person for the job. 

“We are confident he will help us maintain our current upward trajectory and remain competitive across all three formats.”

Conrad expressed his gratitude for the sizeable responsibility, stating: “I’m truly honoured to be entrusted with leading the national team across all three formats. Coaching the Test side has been the greatest privilege of my cricket journey, and overseeing the white-ball teams is something unbelievably special.

Conrad is hugely optimistic about South Africa’s white-ball talent, highlighting the mix of experienced senior players and promising youngsters.

“I’m genuinely excited about the prospects that lie ahead. South African cricket has incredible white ball talent, from the calibre of our senior players to the emerging group of juniors aspiring to represent the Proteas,” he said.

“There’s a strong foundation to build on, and I believe we have what it takes to achieve something special. 

As Proteas Men’s team can look forward with a singular vision under Conrad, the schedule remains packed, with priorities including the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia set for June 11-15 at the iconic Lord's, the T20 World Cup next year, and the anticipated 50-over World Cup the year after. 

"During this period, planning will be key for us as we look to manage our player base to ensure that the strongest teams can be fielded in every format," Conrad said

“During this period, planning will be key for us as we look to manage our player base to ensure that the strongest teams can be fielded in every format. We want to obviously be the best in the world in all three forms of the game and that is no doubt my number one target and goal for the Proteas.”