Proteas coach Shukri Conrad vows to shape a squad capable of conquering home expectations at next's year's World Cup.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad says the official launch of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup has brought a tangible sense of expectation, insisting his side are determined to embrace the pressure of a home tournament and deliver the country’s first 50-over world title.
Speaking at the launch event, Conrad acknowledged that hosting the flagship event in South Africa, alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, brings a unique responsibility, but insisted the Proteas will use that weight as fuel rather than letting the occasion paralyse them.
"This launch makes it tangible — it makes it real," Conrad said. "You start feeling the energy and realising the expectation that comes with hosting a home World Cup. With that expectation comes the goal of delivering our first ODI World Cup. We owe the country a World Cup, and we are bent on delivering."
South Africa face a demanding home summer featuring series against Australia, Bangladesh, and England. While Conrad emphasised that Test matches remain an immediate priority, the upcoming One-Day Internationals will serve as a crucial proving ground for shaping the World Cup squad.
