Tickets for the clash at the iconic Newlands were put on sale on Monday, but sold out within minutes, leaving many Test-match-starved fans distraught.
It was later revealed that just 1600 tickets were made available and over half the total tickets will be taken up by fans who bought deals through local or international tour agencies and by hospitality and complimentary tickets.
This led to much backlash on social media. In a subsequent press release, CSA acknowledged the issue and promised that more tickets would be on sale before the Test.
"Cricket South Africa acknowledges the frustration experienced by fans who were unable to secure tickets for the upcoming New Year's Test, scheduled to take place at Newlands Cricket Ground from 3–7 January," it read in part.
"Demand for this year's New Year's Test tickets has been unprecedented, highlighting the significance of the fixture within the South African sporting calendar, with the first release of tickets selling out in record time for a Test match in South Africa.
"CSA recognises that its communication around ticket availability did not provide the clarity supporters expected and we apologise for the confusion this created.
"A further release of general access tickets, including the remaining public allocation and any unused tickets from reserved categories, will be made available once final pitch allocation requirements have been confirmed.
"The general access hospitality experience will be sold at the Newlands Cricket Ground as soon as packages are released. These packages have been specially designed to afford fans general access to the match, coupled with a hospitality experience.
"Communication on the availability of the next batch of general access tickets, priced between R420 and R500 per ticket, will be shared timeously."
CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki went on to say that they want to do right by the local fans.
"We remain committed to ensuring that ticket access is managed fairly, transparently and in a way that balances supporter demand with the operational requirements of hosting a major international sporting event," he said.
"We equally value the loyal support fans have shown to the Proteas Men as the World Test Champions since their historic victory in June 2025, which all lies at the heart of the game."
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