The Proteas came agonisingly close to winning their first ICC global tournament but went down by seven runs in the final against India in Barbados.

Markram was not in the best of form with the bat but led his country to seven wins in seven matches before falling at the final hurdle.

Smith said: "Aiden was particularly good during the tournament. He was tactically astute, had good plans and was brave enough to make the big calls and then get all his players to commit to it.

"We have of course seen Aiden captain in this manner before over the course of the past two Betway SA20 seasons, leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back championship titles, but now he has transferred this experience to the international arena."

Smith is the lead commissioner of the SA20 tournament and stated the Proteas' results at the in the USA and Caribbean plays directly into the hands of the league's overall objectives.

"People can be positive about cricket in the country again. These are things that are important to us," Smith said.

"Together with Cricket South Africa, we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities and platforms for our players to excel and inspire the next generation of cricketing talent in South Africa.

"Hopefully we have played a role in benefiting South African cricket through the SA20. It has been encouraging to hear players' positive comments about the League throughout the T20 World Cup, with players crediting the opportunity it has created to contribute to South AfricaÃ¢™s cricketing talent."

The third season of the SA20 is set to kick off on 9 January 2025 until 8 February.

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