Cricket South Africa (CSA) finds itself in financial distress, having reported a R440.6 million loss (roughly USD 27 million) for the 2025-26 financial year. This follows a lean season featuring only three T20 matches against the West Indies and a stronger Rand impacting the value of their ICC distribution. The strengthened Rand, rising about 6% against the US Dollar, has resulted in a net foreign exchange loss of R43 million (USD 2.64 million).
Despite this setback, CSA operates on a four-year financial cycle, and over this period, they’ve accumulated a net profit of approximately R492.9 million (USD 30.23 million). However, another financial shortfall is anticipated for the 2026-27 season, even while hosting significant tours from the men’s teams of Australia, Bangladesh, and England, as well as the women’s teams from India and Australia.
Historically, hosting Australia and England might have at least allowed CSA to break even. However, due to an even stronger Rand and reduced broadcast fees, this fiscal outlook seems bleak. During a press event following their AGM, CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki remarked, “The amount of money that we’re going to be making is not necessarily where it was a number of years ago. It’s a combination of a lot of factors, but the broadcast side has probably been the major impact on that.”
The broadcast arena is notably tough, with challenges both locally and internationally. Locally, the acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+ has introduced uncertainty, having resulted in a 10% workforce reduction and other cost-saving strategies. This may affect SuperSport’s willingness to invest in live sports rights. Globally, there are corporate manoeuvres among broadcasters influencing the situation. As CSA’s deal with SuperSport concludes after the 2026-27 season, they are presently preparing for long-term partnership talks with both SuperSport and SABC, with optimism surrounding the 2026-27 season and the approach of the 2027 World Cup.
Recently, a deal was struck with Sky Sports to broadcast the Australia and England tours to a UK audience, albeit at a reduced monetary value compared to previous agreements. CSA’s expenditures also include R297 million (around USD 18.09 million) towards stadium upgrades for the 2027 ODI World Cup, such as enhancing floodlights, internet connectivity, and pitches.
Running domestic competitions remains a significant expense, amounting to R536 million (approximately USD 32.87 million). This includes operating 15 provincial teams, with more matches scheduled for Division 1 teams and an expanded Pro20 tournament. Although domestic structuring remains a topic of discussion, no immediate cost-cutting measures were indicated at the AGM.
One notable unforeseen expense emerged from hosting India’s women’s team for a series of T20Is in April 2026, leading to a R10.3 million loss (around USD 630,000). However, CSA regards this as a strategic investment to foster relations with the BCCI, paving the way for a potentially lucrative India men’s tour in 2028.
The future international playing schedule is under review, with discussions ongoing in Dubai. It’s anticipated that South Africa will host India shortly after the 2027 ODI World Cup, promising potential revenue enhancements for the 2027-28 season.
Moseki acknowledged the broader context, stating, “Dependence on India, it’s a global thing. It’s not unique to us as CSA.” Continued emphasis is placed on diversifying revenue streams, evidenced by growth from eight commercial partners in 2023 to 19 in 2026. The SA20 also contributes financially, yielding profits of R43 million (around USD 2.64 million), a slight decrease from the previous year due partially to currency fluctuations, warranting attention in upcoming editions.
