An ICC trophy win has been elusive for South African cricket for many years. After a long wait, the dream of the country's cricket lovers became a reality when the Proteas reached the final of the T20 World Cup last year. However, in that final, they failed to match the equation of 30 runs in the last 5 overs with 6 wickets in hand against India.

Meanwhile, former captain Graeme Smith is hopeful that their trophy drought will end before the 2027 World Cup. He is focused on bringing success to South Africa in the Champions Trophy and Test Championship finals.

This time, Smith hopes that the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 and the Test Championship final at Lord's in June, will bring good times for South Africa.

Meanwhile, Smith, the commissioner of South Africa's franchise tournament SA Twenty20, said their trophy drought will end before the 2027 World Cup and they are working to further improve South Africa's cricket ecosystem.

South Africa's Champions Trophy campaign begins against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21, and Smith hopes this year's tournament will be a new beginning for them.