Sky Sports and NOW have secured exclusive rights to broadcast every international cricket match from South Africa this winter, covering Australia’s current tour through to the England Tests and ODIs, plus the Bangladesh, India Women and Australia Women tours into April.
The deal extends a longstanding partnership between Sky Sports and Cricket South Africa. Sky Sports has broadcast cricket from South Africa for more than three decades, including live coverage of every England men’s Test series in the country during that period.
Australia’s tour gets underway
The schedule starts this Thursday, with Australia playing three ODIs against South Africa. The first ODI takes place in Durban, followed by matches in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.
The Tests follow, with the first Test in Durban on October 9, the second in Gqeberha on October 18, and the third in Cape Town on October 27.
England’s return to South Africa
England’s three-Test series against South Africa runs across December and January, marking their first Test tour of South Africa in seven years. The series follows England’s first-ever home Test series whitewash of Pakistan.
Stephen Fleming will lead England as Test head coach for his first series in charge. The ODIs come after, with three matches scheduled in January as England prepare for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2027.
“All home England men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket.”
The World Cup takes place across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November next year.
What else is on the schedule
Bangladesh visit in November and December, with two Tests in Johannesburg and Centurion followed by three ODIs and three T20 Internationals.
India Women play a three-match ODI series and a single Test in December, while Australia Women bring a three-match T20 International series and a three-match ODI series before the only Test in Potchefstroom in April.
The full schedule runs through April, with the Bangladesh and India Women tours overlapping the England Tests.
Why this matters for viewers
Sky Sports has been the home of English cricket for years, and this deal cements that position. It also brings the full picture from South Africa, not just the England fixtures.
The men’s Ashes on home soil next summer will be a major highlight, per the announcement. For now, the schedule is packed.
- Australia’s three ODIs start this Thursday in Durban.
- England arrive for their three-Test series in December.
- Bangladesh, India Women and Australia Women fill out the calendar through April.
The coverage runs across Sky Sports and NOW, giving viewers who want to stream without a contract a straightforward option.
For anyone following the game this winter, South Africa will be the place to watch.
Source material: “Sky Sports to show England men's tour of South Africa this winter,” Sky Sports.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.