Newlands Test tickets sell out before they go on sale

Tickets for next year’s Test between South Africa and England at Newlands were sold out before the advertised time of sale on Monday, 18 May 2026.

Cricket South Africa advertised the tickets sale start time as 9:30am.

While tickets for other matches in the series and the rest of South Africa’s 2026-27 home fixtures remained available, days one through four for the 3 to 7 January Test in Cape Town were sold out at 9:20am.

Tickets for this match were available on resale services such as viagogo at 9:45am.

“The iconic Newlands Cricket Ground is sold out for days one to four of the 2027 new year’s,” read a statement from CSA at 11:45am.

“Thank you to every fan who secured their seat. There’s still time to get your tickets for all the other matches taking place across the country this coming summer.”

Former South Africa Test cricketer Barry Richards wrote on social media: “England home game – CSA got the £s in.”

SUBSCRIBE to Club Cricket SA’s YouTube channel

Barmy Army managing director Chris Millard told Daily Mail Sport: “As an official tour operator, the Barmy Army receives a small, pre-agreed ticket allocation directly from Cricket South Africa many months in advance.

“This allocation is entirely separate from the public ticket release process and does not reduce the number of tickets made available through general sale. We do not purchase tickets from public sale.

“A number of other official tour operators receive similar allocations as part of the same process for major overseas tours. The Barmy Army has no involvement in how overseas cricket boards manage public ticket sales, pricing structures or resale activity.

“Over the years, we have done our utmost to lobby and work with cricket boards to find the best possible solution for cricket fans.

“Our tours provide one option for England supporters who want to travel together to follow the team overseas, while we also fully recognise and support the many thousands of fans who choose to travel independently to support England abroad.

“During our recent visit to South Africa, we also lobbied on behalf of travelling England supporters more broadly, advocating for ticket pricing to remain consistent with previous tours and in line with supporter expectations – regardless of whether fans were travelling with the Barmy Army or independently.

“We appreciate how disappointing it is when demand significantly exceeds supply for a major Test match, particularly for supporters who missed out in the public sale.”

JOIN Club Cricket SA’s Whatsapp channel

In December 2025, CSA started SA Cricket Travel with Tourvest Destination Management.

“This new venture will offer fans, corporates and various stakeholders a chance to experience watching the Proteas live, wherever they play around the world,” read a statement from CSA at the time.

“SA Cricket Travel is designed to take fans to the heart of the game. To feel the passion, energy and spirit of the sport loved by millions whenever the Proteas take the field. More than just a travel service, it offers once-in-a-lifetime cricket experiences that connect supporters to the legacy of the Proteas.”

MORE latest SA cricket news

Click here to read article