Last Updated on 23 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
England are set to tour South Africa for a 3-match Test series and a 3-match ODI series from December 2026 to January 2027. It is a marquee series for South Africa, but they are reportedly struggling to land a TV deal in the UK.
SKY Sports has declined to renew a long-term contract. According to The Guardian, SKY Sports’ contract for broadcasting cricket in the UK with CSA (Cricket South Africa) expired last year, which has left the latter searching for alternative partners.
CSA and SKY Sports had a relationship of more than 30 years. This could prove to be a big blow to the South African cricket board, as they now don’t have other options left apart from roping in a new broadcast partner so that the big tour will be televised in the UK.
The series will be played during the holiday season when people can enjoy their cricket alongside their friends and family. Another issue for CSA is that they are set to host the Australians for a 3-match Test series in October 2026, and the timing of the matches will suit the British audience, but as of now, they don’t have any broadcast partner to televise that series as well.
TNT Sports has secured the rights that SKY rejected in the past, which include the last Ashes and Tests against India and Pakistan. But their parent company, Warner Bros., may get sold to Paramount Skydance for $110 billion, so TNT can’t really commit to buying the rights for England’s tour of South Africa at this stage.
No UK TV Deal for South Africa as yet – Sign of the declining value of international cricket?
TNT had paid £8 million to Cricket Australia for the last winter Ashes when the board – Cricket Australia – had initially asked for £20 million. Cricket Australia (CA) has also failed to secure a TV broadcast rights partner for the UK while the English team is set to travel for three ODIs and five T20Is down under. They will then also return in March 2027 for the 150th Test anniversary game at the MCG.
Sky Sports has rejected the rights for India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and the West Indies while investing in the rights for the PDC World Darts Championship for £25 million a year. This event will clash with the South Africa vs England Test series.
This shows the decline in popularity and value of international cricket, which is a concerning sign for the sport as bilateral test and ODI cricket are already under scrutiny by a section of cricket fans with the rise of T20 leagues around the globe.
