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Sky Sports Secures 2026/27 South Africa Cricket Rights

By Sports Desk · · 1 min read
A red cricket ball resting on green grass

Sky Sports and NOW secure exclusive broadcast rights for all 2026/27 men's and women's international tours in South Africa.

Key points

  • Sky Sports and NOW secure exclusive rights for all 2026/27 men's and women's international cricket tours in South Africa.
  • England returns to South Africa for its first Test series in seven years, spanning December 2026 and January 2027.
  • The broadcast schedule includes tours by Australia, Bangladesh, India Women, and Australia Women, running until April 2027.

Sky Sports and NOW now hold exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026/27 South African cricket season. The deal covers all men's and women's international tours, including England's return to the country.

The agreement was negotiated by IMG, Cricket South Africa's media rights partner. It grants broadcasters full live access to a packed schedule stretching from late September to April 2027.

England Returns After Seven Years

England’s men’s team travels to South Africa for the first time in seven years. The three-Test series runs from December 2026 to January 2027, starting in Johannesburg.

Stephen Fleming takes charge as England Men’s Test Head Coach for this historic tour. The series concludes with three one-day matches in January, preparing the squad for the 2027 World Cup.

The World Cup will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November 2027. This winter tour serves as a crucial final dress rehearsal for that global event.

Australia Opens Busy Season

Australia’s men’s tour kicks off on September 24, 2026, in Durban. The first of three one-day matches sets the tone for a demanding start to the international calendar.

Following the one-day series in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom, the teams move to three five-day Tests. These matches take place in Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town through late October.

Women’s Calendar Extends To April

Women’s international cricket dominates the winter and spring schedule. India Women arrive in December for a mix of one-day matches and a single Test in Gqeberha.

Australia Women conclude the season in April 2027. Their tour features three one-day matches and a single Test, ending the 2026/27 broadcast season in Durban and Potchefstroom.

Based on reporting by Advanced Television, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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