Fans frustrated as only 13% of tickets were made available to the general public for the New Year’s Test
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has apologised for the confusion surrounding ticket availability for the New Year’s Test at Newlands after widespread criticism from fans on social media.
The controversy erupted after less than 1,600 tickets per day went on public sale on Monday, with tickets selling out within minutes. Supporters were unaware that only a small portion of the stadium capacity had been allocated for general public purchase.
Out of Newlands’ 17,544 general-access seats, 39% were reserved for local and international travel packages, while 21% were allocated to hospitality and complimentary tickets. Another 19% went to sponsors, stakeholders, and team contingents, leaving only 13% available for ordinary fans.
CSA later confirmed that only 9% of the tickets were released initially, while the remaining 4% — along with any unused allocations from reserved categories — will be sold closer to the match.
The board admitted it “did not provide the clarity supporters expected” when tickets first went on sale and acknowledged the communication gap in an official statement issued on Thursday.
CSA also warned fans against purchasing tickets from unofficial resale websites, where prices have reportedly surged to nearly ten times the original value. Tickets normally priced between R250 and R400 have appeared online for as much as R3,500.
“CSA maintains a strict prohibition on ticket scalping and unauthorised resale,” the statement said, warning that holders of such tickets could be denied entry at the venue.
This season marks the first time CSA has partnered with travel company Tourvest to offer all-inclusive travel packages that include accommodation, transfers, meals, and match tickets. Of the reserved travel allocations, 27% went to local tour operators and 12% to international groups, including supporters’ clubs like the Barmy Army.
The heavy allocation toward travel packages sparked concerns that visiting fans could outnumber local supporters at one of South Africa’s most iconic cricket venues.
CSA chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said the organisation remains committed to fair and transparent ticket distribution while balancing the operational demands of hosting a major international event.
CSA has promised better communication ahead of the next ticket release, with upcoming tickets expected to cost between R420 and R500.
