Former Captain Hopes South Africa End Their Trophy Drought This Year

The South African team, whether Men's or Women's, has been on a high of late. The Women's side made it to back-to-back T20 World Cup finals, while the men made it to the T20 World Cup final as well. Even the Under-19 Women's side reached the final earlier this year. However, they have always fallen short at the final hurdle.

Former captain and SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith believes South Africa can finally end their trophy drought with the Proteas set to play in the Champions Trophy and then at the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's.

"Hopefully, we will end that wait much before the 2027 World Cup, with the Champions Trophy and WTC final coming up but if South Africa could win a WC trophy in front of a home crowd, it would be amazing," Smith told PTI Bhasha.

"Over the next three years, we want to just keep pushing to improve our stadiums, pitches and our cricket ecosystem, so that by the time we host the 2027 WC, we are the favourites."

Many believe South Africa had an easy run into the final, having played the likes of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and West Indies, other than India, but Smith believes that there are no easy fixtures. "There is no smooth journey in cricket today. You have got to do what you got to do. Right in the beginning, everyone knew who they were playing and who they were not playing," Smith said.

"South Africa has won 7 test matches in a row to qualify. Everyone should look into the Test ecosystem, how it works as you play what you have been told to play in that cycle."

Smith acknowledged the growth of T20 cricket but believes all member boards should collaborate to keep a balance between Tests and T20s. "I want to see Test cricket stay stronger and if we can keep it strong with at least 6 or 7 nations, that way Test cricket will stay strong,” Smith said.

"I often say that T20 cricket has to grow. We have seen it moving into America and also in lots of new regions. We will see it in the Olympics now. What amazes me is that how many cricket fans it has pulled. 

"I think franchise cricket will probably end up having 3 or 4 outstanding leagues in the world, with maybe a tier-two system. But in the future, it's more about all the member boards working together to keep each other strong."

The former skipper also believes that scheduling plays a key role in maintaining financial stability and ensuring that Test cricket continues to grow.

"Scheduling also helps the revenue model. India is amazing as they tour frequently, providing revenue that keeps nations afloat. But if England and Australia continue playing only each other and not engaging with African or other nations, it gets harder because Test cricket is commercially under pressure," he said.

"If you look at how the money flows and the expenses, it puts Test cricket under strain. It's about working together and creating a model that can keep the game sustainable."