While cricket fans are looking forward to watching the 2023 Cricket World Cup, which commenced in India today, South Africans who don’t have SuperSport, available on DStv, can’t watch it due to failed negotiations between the SABC and MultiChoice.

In a statement, MultiChoice – which owns DStv – said that after prolonged negotiations, the SABC rejected the latest proposal for a possible sub-licence for broadcast rights to the world cup.

MultiChoice, which said it is disappointed at the results of the negotiations, said it offered the rights to the SABC at significantly reduced commercial terms.

Mmoni Seapolelo, the SABC’s acting group executive of corporate affairs and marketing, said in a statement that following extensive negotiations with Multichoice, the broadcaster was not successful in securing the rights for South African audiences.

“The SABC has once again been disadvantaged in securing the broadcasting rights of one of the sporting codes classified as sport of national interest by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, due to the non-affordable sub-licensing fees and restrictive conditions imposed by Multichoice,” she added.

“This development is regrettable, and the corporation apologises to all cricket fans and all South Africans.”

SABC will not broadcast the Cricket World Cup after failed negotiations with MultiChoice. #TeamTAndJNews

“Hayi lesipi Cricket paa loouna” – Pabi pic.twitter.com/hql05xj0FU

— Darien Amos 🇫🇷 🇧🇷 (@AmosDarien) October 3, 2023