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Johannesburg: Graeme Smith quit as captain of South Africa's Twenty20 team with immediate effect on Wednesday, and said he will step down as skipper of the one-day team after the 2011 World Cup. He will remain as the Proteas' Test captain.
The 29-year-old Smith read from a pre-prepared statement at a media briefing at a Johannesburg hotel near the Wanderers cricket ground.
"There are several reasons why I have made this important career decision," Smith said. "I am going into my ninth season of international cricket while eight as captain.
It is my intention to play for another five or six years and I know in my heart that I can only do that if I give up some of my current responsibilities. He said he was making the decision now to ensure "smooth transition."
The left-handed opening batsman, who was appointed captain in 2003 at a remarkable 22, added he remained passionate about the captaincy of South Africa and would continue to lead the Test team with pride.
He said he would still be available for selection in all formats of the game, and "hoped to be around for quite a lot longer."
"In the shorter term ... all our efforts are now focused on winning the elusive ICC World Cup in February-March 2011," Smith said.
South Africa, which is regularly ranked among the best cricket teams in the world, has consistently underperformed at World Cups.
Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola, who was alongside Smith at the announcement, said: "I always respected Graeme Smith and I respect him and support him now. He took over the Proteas' captaincy at a young age, and has faced incredible challenges, which he has overcome.
South Africa hosts India in three Tests and five ODIs later this year. The countries are currently the top two ranked Test teams in the world.
Before that, the Proteas play T20 and one-day series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, starting in early October.
