Cricket South Africa (CSA) has been unable to strike a deal with the SABC to broadcast India’s tour of South Africa.

In a statement yesterday, CSA said: “For the past few months CSA and the SABC have been involved in protracted negotiations on the free-to-air broadcast rights of the India tour, which are exclusively owned by CSA for the purpose of ensuring that cricket is accessible to the larger South African population.

“On November 29 , CSA finally received an offer from the SABC for the broadcast rights at a massively discounted rate.

“In view of the significant audience the SABC enjoys, which meets CSA’s aim of growing cricket across all sectors of South African society, CSA was eager to ensure that the India tour was available on free-to-air TV.

“CSA responded to the SABC six working days later on December 7, accepting their offer in totality.

“Regrettably, hours after CSA’s full acceptance of their offer, the SABC informed CSA that they are unable to broadcast the India tour due to a withdrawal of potential sponsors.

“The free-to-air rights remain available and should the SABC be able to attract sponsorship, CSA is willing to conclude an agreement which will ensure the India tour is enjoyed by millions of South Africans.”