Sky Sports, in partnership with Cricket South Africa, has renewed and expanded a long‑standing collaboration that grants the broadcaster exclusive rights to air England’s men’s cricket tour of South Africa this coming winter. The package, which also includes streaming on the NOW platform, covers a full itinerary of three Test matches followed by three One‑Day Internationals (ODIs) that will be played across December and January.
This winter series marks a significant moment for English cricket, as it will be the first time the England men’s side has toured South Africa for a Test series in seven years. The three‑match Test contest is scheduled to unfold over the festive period, with fixtures spread between December and January, offering fans a chance to watch high‑stakes cricket in a variety of South African venues.
The series also carries added intrigue because it will be the inaugural Test campaign for Stephen Fleming, who has recently taken over as England’s head coach for the longest format of the game. Following the Test battles, England will shift focus to the limited‑overs format, playing three ODIs in January.
These matches serve as a crucial part of England’s preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, an event that will be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia later in October and November of next year. By competing on South African soil ahead of the World Cup, England hopes to acclimatise to local conditions, fine‑tune their strategies, and build momentum heading into the global tournament. Sky Sports will provide live, comprehensive coverage of the entire South African itinerary, which also includes the Australian men’s tour that kicks off on Thursday with the first of three ODIs in Durban, followed by a three‑match Test series. The broadcaster’s schedule will continue to feature a succession of international tours through to April, encompassing Bangladesh’s visit, the India Women’s series, and the Australia Women’s tour.
This packed calendar ensures that cricket enthusiasts in the UK will have continuous access to top‑level international action throughout the southern summer. For more than thirty years, Sky Sports has been the primary television home for cricket in South Africa, delivering live broadcasts of every England men’s Test series staged in the country during that period.
The renewed agreement not only reinforces this historic relationship but also solidifies Sky Sports’ status as the premier destination for cricket coverage worldwide. The network now holds the rights to all England men’s and women’s home internationals, as well as domestic competitions, and is poised to showcase marquee events such as the Ashes series on home soil next summer. The upcoming season’s itinerary includes: - Australia’s tour of South Africa (2026/2027) – featuring three ODIs in Durban and a three‑match Test series. - Bangladesh’s tour of South Africa (2026/2027) – a series of limited‑overs and possibly Test fixtures.
- England’s tour of South Africa (2026/2027) – the highlighted three‑Test and three‑ODI programme. - India Women’s tour of South Africa (2026/2027) – a series designed to promote women’s cricket in the region. - Australia Women’s tour of South Africa (2026/2027) – adding further depth to the women’s international calendar. Fans can tune in to the first ODI between South Africa’s men and Australia, which begins at 8:30 am on Thursday, via Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports+, or the streaming service NOW, which offers a contract‑free option for viewers who prefer online access.
The partnership between Sky Sports and Cricket South Africa exemplifies a commitment to delivering high‑quality cricket content to a global audience. By securing exclusive broadcast rights, Sky Sports ensures that the excitement of England’s historic return to South African pitches, the strategic preparations for the 2027 World Cup, and the broader slate of international tours will be captured in vivid detail for fans across the United Kingdom and beyond.
This extensive coverage not only celebrates the sport’s rich heritage but also paves the way for future growth, encouraging new viewers to engage with cricket’s compelling narratives and thrilling on‑field moments.