Biff is back: Graeme Smith unveiled as Cricket SA's tournament head for new T20 product

Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith has been appointed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) as the commissioner of the country's new T20 League.

In December 2019, 'Biff' was appointed as CSA's Director of Cricket, before he left when his contract expired in March.

Smith, who played 117 Tests, 197 ODIs and 33 T20Is for South Africa, was on Tuesday revealed as the new face of the inaugural T20 League, which is set to take place in January and February 2023.

In a press release, CSA said Smith will oversee all aspects (both cricketing and non-cricketing), and among his first orders of business will be to develop the brand and confirm the participating franchises for the T20 tournament.

Smith will lead the T20 League, which, outside of CSA, has SuperSport as one of its major shareholders.

"I'm extremely honoured to be entrusted with leading this exciting new venture. I'm deeply committed to South African cricket and happy to serve the game as best I can," said Smith.

"I'm excited by the opportunity to deliver the new league, which I believe will be an extremely competitive product, one that can bring the much-needed investment into the game and provide new opportunities for players around the world and, more importantly, to our SA home grown talent.

"The response from stakeholders has been very positive thus far and we've made great progress in the initial stages.

"We're determined to deliver a valuable, sustainable and appealing tournament for South African cricket."

The competition is expected to give impetus to the development plans of CSA and elevate CSA's vision for the game in the country.

Pholetsi Moseki, CSA's CEO, welcomed Smith's new role and is excited about the positive strides the organisation has made.

"I worked closely with