The Kwa-Zulu Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) is set to conduct a “thorough internal review” into the lackluster attendance at the recent Kingsmead Test between South Africa and Australia, which concluded on Tuesday. The match, an eagerly awaited fixture since South Africa’s last home Test in January 2025 and their first as World Test champions, drew just under 20,000 spectators over its duration. This represents less than 20% of Kingsmead Stadium’s daily capacity of 20,000.
Several factors might have contributed to the sparse crowd. Throughout much of the match, the Durban CBD, situated a mere kilometre from the stadium, was affected by anti-immigration protests, which led to a heavy police presence initially and the subsequent deployment of the South African National Defence Force. Despite the unrest nearby, there was little indication of disruption at the match itself.
Economic pressures also seem to have played a part, with the soaring petrol prices in South Africa reaching a record R29.38 (US$1.78) per litre on October 7, just two days prior to the Test. Test captain Temba Bavuma noted in isiXhosa during a press conference that the high cost of living could have deterred attendance. KZNCU aims to dig deeper to understand other potential barriers preventing fans from attending.
“A Test match of this quality, featuring the Proteas and Australia, deserved greater support in the stands,” acknowledged KZNCU CEO Heinrich Strydom. “While we realise that supporters face competing demands on their time and finances, we must also understand better what influences their decisions to attend and what more we can do to make live cricket an attractive and worthwhile experience.”
Looking ahead, Strydom explained, “This is something we will reflect on as a Union, through a thorough internal review, and as a cricket community. We need to listen to our supporters, reconnect with our communities, and continue to find ways to make Test cricket more accessible, engaging and appealing to families and cricket lovers of all ages.”
Notably, the standard of play and the pitch received praise. South Africa’s coach, Shukri Conrad, highlighted the excellent surface prepared by groundsman Wonderboy Khanyile.
Historically, Durban has struggled with low attendance at Tests, a factor contributing to the relocation of the Boxing Day Test to SuperSport Park in Centurion. Earlier this season, the ODI against Australia on September 24—a public holiday—also witnessed smaller crowds, with just over 12,000 in attendance despite the day’s non-working status. School and university examination periods may have further affected turnout.
There are concerns about attendance for the upcoming second Test in Gqeberha, commencing Sunday. Only one day falls on the weekend, and rain is forecasted for both that day and the next. Meanwhile, the Newlands Test in Cape Town starts on a Tuesday, ending Saturday, potentially impacting spectator numbers.
This season marks the first time South Africa is hosting Tests this early in October. The increasing demands on the cricket calendar have pushed premier fixtures to the edges of the season. Traditionally, South Africa’s prime Test period spans November to March, yet scheduling pressures from the SA20 league in January and February, followed by the IPL in March, have led to Tests being relegated to less opportune months.
This complex scheduling landscape and socio-economic conditions are pivotal factors under consideration as the KZNCU embarks on its review to address dwindling spectator support.
