Shukri Conrad has officially been appointed as the new all-format head coach of the Proteas. Cricket South Africa (CSA) made the announcement on Friday, May 9—just a month after the resignation of white-ball coach Rob Walter—marking a significant shift in the team’s coaching structure.
From red ball to all formats
Conrad, who has been at the helm of the Test team since January 2023, will now take on the responsibility of coaching across all three formats of the game. His first assignment in his expanded role will be the upcoming T20 International tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in July.
The 58-year-old’s tenure will extend until the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027, which is set to be hosted on South African soil. It’s a landmark opportunity not just for Conrad but for South African cricket, which has shown promising growth in recent seasons.
A proven track record
Conrad’s elevation to the top job in all formats hasn’t come as a surprise. His work with the red-ball side has been widely praised for bringing back a sense of grit, purpose, and identity.
Under his leadership, the Test team has displayed more consistency and resilience.
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 also emphasized Conrad’s familiarity with the team dynamics and his established rapport with the players.
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.
A humble and passionate leader
Conrad, a respected figure in South African cricket circles, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity.
I’m truly honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national team across all three formats. Coaching the Test side has been the greatest privilege of my cricket journey, and to now oversee the white-ball teams as well is something unbelievably special.
With a calm and composed demeanour, Conrad is known for bringing a thoughtful and measured approach to coaching. He’s not only a strategist but also a mentor who deeply values player development.
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. There’s a strong foundation to build on, and I believe we have what it takes to achieve something special.
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of planning and player management as the Proteas gear up for a packed international calendar.
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.
Eyes on the ICC Test Championship Final
Before he names his first white-ball squad, Conrad’s immediate focus is on the Test side, who face a formidable challenge in the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia. The much-anticipated clash takes place from 11 to 15 June at Lord’s in London—a fitting stage for South Africa’s next chapter under their new all-format coach.
