The Economic Impact of Cricket in South Africa: Insights from CSA
Image: AFP
Cricket South Africa (CSA) said the sport of cricket plays a huge role in contributing to the South African GDP, tourism, and economy.
Speaking to the Business Report, CSA said that India's tour to South Africa in the 2024/2025 season created a big economic boost.
CSA believes that the Proteas' recent victory in the ICC World Test Championship will further elevate the sport in the country. The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) has also welcomed the role of cricket in growing hospitality and tourism.
Edward Khoza, Executive, Domestic Cricket (CSA), said that cricket plays a vital part in our economy, especially in transport, playing equipment, maintenance of infrastructure, and keeping individuals employed (especially coaches who operate one-on-one coaching and private academy landscapes).
'With the results that the Proteas Test Team has attained, there will be an enhanced positiveness towards the game, which will benefit all these markets.'
Wanele Mngomezulu, Chief Marketing Officer (CSA), said that cricket plays a huge contribution in drawing international fans to South Africa, contributing to sports tourism.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
'According to BDO, the direct, indirect, and induced economic impact was approximately R218 million for the recent SA vs India inbound tour. The total contribution to the national government via various taxes amounted to R14 million.'
Mngomezulu added that the total number of full-time equivalent employment created/sustained was approximately 405.
'Skills level breakdown (Skilled – 61; Semi-skilled – 137; Unskilled / low – 67; and Informal – 140). The total direct expenditure generated by the event amounted to R75 million. In total, i.e., the direct, indirect, and induced economic impact of the event for South Africa was approximately R218 million.'
Enoch Nkwe, Director: National Teams and High Performance (CSA), said that every tournament that a South African team wins and becomes world champions has a huge positive impact on South Africa.
'The team's achievements have helped restore belief and confidence in the country and have also provided a foundation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. We hope this success will give us an opportunity to attract more Test matches in the next FTP cycle (2027–2031).'
Khoza added that the impact of the win was felt immediately by those who were in London to support the team and those who received the team at OR Tambo upon their return.
'Many school-going kids participating at various levels of our pathway shared how the win inspires their desire and commitment to the game. The national players are now regarded as heroes and role models for the game – they have inspired people who follow cricket to take up bat and ball in a positive way with the long-term ambitions of following in their heroes' footsteps.'
Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa National Chairperson, said that cricket is immensely important to tourism.
'Events like the recent South Africa vs India tour bring in large numbers of international visitors who spend on accommodation, dining, transport, and experiences - directly benefitting thousands of businesses across the tourism value chain. The figures from the BDO are compelling numbers that show how cricket can be a job creator and a revenue booster.
But the impact goes even further. International visitors often come for the cricket and stay for South Africa. Our country has one of the highest tourism return rates globally. Visitors fall in love with our landscapes, culture, and hospitality. It's not uncommon for someone who first visits to support their team to return later with family or friends for a broader leisure holiday. '
Anderson added that more international cricket fixtures are directly linked to more inbound travel.
'Hotels fill up, restaurants are booked, transport companies benefit, and tour operators see increased activity. But just as importantly, the media coverage of these events gives South Africa positive exposure on a global scale - showcasing our stadiums, cities, and natural beauty to millions of viewers. This kind of destination marketing, coupled with actual visitor arrivals, creates both short-term and long-term returns. Globally, the value of sports tourism is immense, contributing over 10% of global tourism spending according to UNWTO estimates.
Anderson said that their recent win boosts national pride and positions South Africa as a cricket powerhouse - encouraging more international tours and tests here.
'Hosting the 2027 World Cup is even more significant. It offers us a golden opportunity to package and promote our country to a global audience, drive up arrivals, and attract investment in tourism infrastructure.'
Following the conclusion of the third season of the Betway SA20 cricket competition in South Africa in February, League Commissioner Graeme Smith said that Season 3 of the Betway SA20 has been an absolute game-changer.
'This is the third year running that we have seen unprecedented growth across broadcast, attendance, and digital platforms; we have really made a mark as one of the leading sport and entertainment brands in the country. Globally, our numbers continue to increase and support our vision of being the biggest T20 cricket league outside of India.'
BUSINESS REPORT
Visit: www.businessreport.co.za
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


eNCA
24 minutes ago
- eNCA
Wimbledon's underdogs enjoy their week in the sun
WIMBLEDON - As a series of big names melted under the Wimbledon heatwave, a number of surprise names are looking to make an impact on the second week at the All England club. AFP Sports looks at those who have grabbed their chance to shine. AFP | Adrian Dennis The world number 22 had never won a match at Wimbledon in three previous attempts prior to this year but shocked a former champion in Elena Rybakina on Saturday. "I never expected it. I've never had very good results on grass," said the Dane, who next faces five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. Tauson has enjoyed a breakthrough year on hard courts, winning in Auckland in January before beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka on the way to making the final of the WTA 1000 in Dubai a month later. The niece of former pro Michael Tauson, her big serve is ideally suited to grass court conditions. Her 223 aces this year before Wimbledon was the second highest on the Tour behind only Rybakina. A graduate of the Justine Henin Academy in Belgium, her boyfriend Kasper Elsvad is now her coach. "We're both really perfectionist. It's hard to achieve in tennis, but we're working towards it," added Tauson. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro AFP | Adrian Dennis The Spaniard has reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time but does have previous for shining at Wimbledon. The then world number 83 beat defending champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round last year to register her first Grand Slam win. Now 62 in the rankings, the 22-year-old has seen off Ella Seidel, Sofia Kenin and Dayana Yastremska to set up a fourth round meeting with Liudmila Samsonova. Marin Cilic A former finalist, Cilic has rolled back the years in his first appearance at the All England Club since 2021 after multiple knee surgeries. The 2014 US Open champion had fallen outside the world's top 1,000 but is on the comeback trail and back inside the top 100. Cilic broke British hearts with a shock defeat of world number four Jack Draper in the second round and followed that up with victory over Jaume Munar to reach the last 16. "My emotions are just incredible. Where I was two years ago, I can't even describe. It has been a long journey but I never lost any faith," Cilic said. "It was a long and testing period, plus a huge challenge for me in this part of my career to come back and play at this level." Flavio Cobolli AFP | Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV The 23-year-old Italian is yet to drop a set in three matches, including a destruction of Miami Open champion and rising star Jakub Mensik. "I think I played one of the best matches ever of my life. I think almost perfect," said the delighted world number 24. Cobolli has surprised himself with his quick adjustment to a surface he claimed to have "hated" in the past. "Three years ago, as a junior, I really hated playing on grass," added. Coached by his father, Stefano Cobolli, Flavio already has two titles to his name this year in Hamburg and Bucharest on the clay. Alongside world number one Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Sonego, he has made history this week as three Italians have reached the last 16 of the men's draw for the first time.


eNCA
25 minutes ago
- eNCA
Alcaraz finds magic touch at Wimbledon as Sabalenka storms into quarter-finals
UK - Carlos Alcaraz found his best form after a shaky start to beat Andrey Rublev and reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Sunday as hot favourite in the women's draw Aryna Sabalenka also progressed. The Spaniard, hunting a third straight title at the All England Club, has taken his fans on an emotional rollercoaster but is into the last eight after a 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win. While Alcaraz's main rivals, seven-time winner Novak Djokovic and world number one Jannik Sinner, are in ominous form, the second seed has blown hot and cold so far. He will next face Cameron Norrie, who is the last British player standing at Wimbledon after beating Chile's Nicolas Jarry in five gruelling sets. Alcaraz lost three sets across his first three matches and fell behind against Russian 14th seed Rublev under the Centre Court roof. But he turned the match around in style, producing some of his best tennis in front of his adoring fans. AFP | Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV "I think I played intelligent and smart today against him, tactically," said the 22-year-old. "A really good match, which I'm really proud about." The five-time Grand Slam champion said he always believes in himself, even when facing adversity. "One point can change the match completely, turn everything around. "In tennis, you have to stay there all the time. Being strong mentally, to stay there. I knew that I was going to play better." - Sabalenka power - Women's world number one Sabalenka has yet to drop a set in four rounds at the All England Club as every other top six seed has fallen, but was given a tough workout by Belgian world number 23 Mertens. The Belarusian came through 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) against her former doubles partner to set up a clash against Germany's Laura Siegemund. The three-time Grand Slam champion is making up for lost time after missing last year's Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury. She was excluded in 2022 as part of a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes. "With your support guys I think everything is possible," said Sabalenka, who has never been beyond the semi-finals. "I don't know. It's such a beautiful tournament. "I always dreamed of winning it. Every time I'm here I'm trying to give my best and really hope for the best." Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also progressed at the expense of Britain's Sonay Kartal, but had to mentally reset after a bizarre electronic line-calling failure. AFP | Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV At 4-4 in the first set, Pavlyuchenkova held game point when a Kartal backhand landed clearly over the baseline but no call came and the umpire ordered the point be replayed. Kartal went on to break for a 5-4 lead. Pavlyuchenkova angrily made her case to the umpire, saying: "They stole the game from me, they stole it". But she broke back and won the tie-break, which proved a launchpad for a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 victory. The technology glitch in the fourth-round match follows concerns raised by other players. The All England Club released a brief statement on the incident. "Due to operator error the system was deactivated on the point in question," said an spokesman. "The chair umpire followed the established process." Russia's Karen Khachanov was the first winner of the day, brushing aside Polish player Kamil Majchrzak 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 on Court Two. AFP | Glyn KIRK The 17th seed will face US fifth seed Taylor Fritz, who was only on court for 41 minutes before Australia's Jordan Thompson retired injured, trailing 6-1, 3-0. America's Fritz faced gruelling five-set battles in his opening two matches but it was a different story in his fourth-round encounter on Court One. The Eastbourne champion broke Thompson twice to seal the first set in just 21 minutes and led 3-0 in the second set when the Australian decided he could not go on, due to an apparent thigh injury.


eNCA
25 minutes ago
- eNCA
BRICS nations slam Trump tariffs, condemn strikes on Iran
BRFAZIL - BRICS leaders at a summit on Sunday took aim at US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" import tariffs and recent Israeli-US strikes on Iran. The 11 emerging nations - including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - account for about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output. The bloc is divided about much, but found common cause when it comes to the mercurial US leader and his stop-start tariff wars - even if they avoided naming him directly. Voicing "serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff" measures, BRICS members said the tariffs risked hurting the global economy, according to a summit joint statement. They also offered symbolic backing to fellow member Iran, condemning a series of military strikes on nuclear and other targets carried out by Israel and the United States. AFP | Mauro PIMENTEL In April, Trump threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties, before offering a months-long reprieve in the face of a fierce market sell-off. Trump has now warned he will impose unilateral levies on partners unless they reach "deals" by August 1. In an apparent concession to US allies such as Brazil, India and Saudi Arabia, the summit declaration did not criticize the United States or its president by name at any point. - No show - Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to US and western European power. But as the group has expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia and others, it has struggled to reach meaningful consensus on issues from the Gaza war to challenging US global dominance. BRICS nations, for example, collectively called for a peaceful two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict - despite Tehran's long-standing position that Israel should be destroyed. An Iranian diplomatic source said his government's "reservations" had been conveyed to Brazilian hosts. Still, Iran stopped short of rejecting the statement outright. In perhaps a further sign of the diplomatic sensitivities, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister skipped Sunday's discussions entirely, according to a Brazilian government source. Saudi Arabia is among the world's leading beneficiaries of high-tech US military exports and is a long-standing US partner. AFP | Mauro PIMENTEL The political punch of this year's summit has been depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who skipped the meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. The Chinese leader is not the only notable absentee. Russian President Vladimir Putin, charged with war crimes in Ukraine, also opted to stay away, participating via video link. He told counterparts that BRICS had become a key player in global governance. The summit also called for regulation governing artificial intelligence and said the technology could not be the preserve of only rich nations. The commercial AI sector is currently dominated by US tech giants, although China and other nations have rapidly developing capacity. By Facundo Fernández Barrio