South Africa to expand first-class cricket schedule from 2026-27 season

Cricket South Africa has announced an increase in first-class matches for domestic provincial teams starting from the 2026-27 season. The eight Division 1 provincial sides will each play ten first-class matches under the revised schedule. Meanwhile, the seven Division 2 teams will feature in a slightly busier calendar, playing 12 matches each. The move reflects an effort to provide more competitive red-ball cricket opportunities across both tiers of South African domestic cricket.