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South Africa, the reigning champions of the 2023-25 World Test Championship, will not have a home Test match until at least October 2026. Here’s the reasoning behind this extended break.
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Following their victory in the 2023–25 World Test Championship, South Africa's next Test matches will occur after a significant gap — a two-match series in India this November. Notably, there will be no men's Test matches hosted in South Africa next summer, marking their first such absence since their re-admission in 1991. Their following home Tests are slated for October 2026.
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<h2>Next Test Series and Schedule</h2>
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South Africa's first home series in the next World Test Championship cycle will consist of three Tests against Australia in October 2026, followed by two Tests against Bangladesh and three against England within the same year, completing their home fixtures for 2025-27. Several factors contribute to this 18-month pause in hosting Test matches.
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<h2>Changes in the SA20 Schedule</h2>
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The SA20 has been South Africa’s premier tournament since its inception in 2023, with Cricket South Africa (CSA) prioritizing the league over international commitments. This was evident last year when a second-string squad was sent to New Zealand while first-choice players remained for the SA20.
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<h2>Adjustments for the T20 World Cup</h2>
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Traditionally held in the January-February timeframe, the SA20 tournament has been rescheduled to start on December 26 due to the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This rescheduling allows CSA to capitalize on the absence of international cricket during December and January, allowing for a five-match T20I series against the West Indies from January 27 to February 6.
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<h2>Stadium Renovations for the 2027 ODI World Cup</h2>
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The 2027 World Cup will witness its return to South Africa for the first time since 2003, co-hosting with Zimbabwe and Namibia. The lean schedule providing fewer Test matches allows CSA the opportunity to undertake renovations of stadiums to prepare for this global event, with infrastructure improvements projected to cost between R200 million and R400 million.
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<h2>Financial Viability of Test Matches</h2>
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CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki has noted that hosting Test matches is less financially viable for South Africa compared to cricket's 'Big Three': India, Australia, and England. During the 2023-27 WTC cycle, South Africa will only play 28 Tests, significantly fewer than the number played by the aforementioned nations. This financial aspect contributes to the limited number of Tests on home soil.
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Moseki expressed frustration over the lack of attendance for Test matches, questioning why fans do not show up despite filling stadiums for ODIs and T20Is. He asserted that if it were financially beneficial to play multiple Tests against all opposing teams, they would certainly do so.
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