Graeme Smith, the former South African captain, has been named as the head coach of the T20 Global League franchise Benoni Zalmi. The announcement was made by franchise owner Javed Afridi on Monday (August 21).
Smith, who last played competitive cricket in 2014 for Somerset in a T20 game, has the experience of playing 117 Tests out of which he led the side in 109 of them. The 36-year-old’s first assignment will come this weekend when he has to pick a squad from a pool of over 400 players in the auction. Geoffrey Toyana, the head coach of Highveld Lions, is named as Smith’s assistant.
“I am personally passionate about creating young leaders and I believe there is no one better than Graeme Smith. He is a model of leadership and inspiration for the talent that will form Benoni Zalmi,” said Afridi.
Meanwhile, Durban Qalandars have named Delhi Daredevils head coach Paddy Upton in charge of the franchise. He will be backed up by former Pakistani fast bowler Aaqib Javed, who is named as the bowling coach.
Stellenbosch Monarchs, on the other hand, appointed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as their head coach and Eric Simons as his deputy.
