The SABC says it won't broadcast the South African national cricket team outbound tour to New Zealand because the broadcasting rights are too expensive.
South African viewers are only able to watch the action of the upcoming T20, ODI's and three test matches on SuperSport on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform.
SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago in a statement says the SABC failed to reach a contractual agreement for broadcasting rights of the Proteas' cricket action.
"Sport rights have become costly with many rights holders demanding a 100% increase on rights fees which the public service broadcaster cannot afford," says Kaizer Kganyago.
The SABC has a duty to broadcast national teams and national sport of interest.
The SABC didn't say when it started negotiations - prices notoriously increase like just like flight tickets as dates approach - and also didn't specify whether specifically the cricket broadcasting rights also increased 100% since the SABC last broadcast an overseas Proteas cricket tour.
The SABC says South Africans depending on the public broadcaster can follow news updates of the Proteas in New Zealand on Radio 2000 with hourly updates on match days from today until 29 March.
Kaizer Kganyago says the SABC will continue to "engage and negotiate for better deal and rights to broadcast other tournaments in the near future for the benefit of the South African public".
