Sport: Cricket Country: South Africa Category: Scores & Results

Cricket South Africa introduces Exchangeable Pitch System for 2026 season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 8:25 AM

Last updated Sep 30, 2026

Cricket South Africa introduces Exchangeable Pitch System for 2026 season

Summary

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is set to implement the Exchangeable Pitch System (EPS) during a record-breaking 78-match day season starting this summer. Designed to combat the heavy wear on pitches at major venues, the EPS allows for pitches to be swapped in and out as needed rather than relaying entire surfaces, minimizing downtime. Six venues, including the Wanderers, are involved in this initiative, which aims to enhance pitch quality amid an increasing number of fixtures, including women's and domestic games. Each pitch takes 18 months to grow, with five to six days required to settle before use.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•CSA will host 78 match days across men's and women's internationals this summer.
•The EPS is designed to reduce wear and improve pitch quality under heavy usage.
•Six venues, led by the Wanderers, are set to adopt the EPS.
•Each pitch requires 18 months to grow and is then settled for 5-6 days before use.
•The system allows for greater venue availability without extensive downtime.

Latest Updates

8:25 AMYahoo Sports — What is Exchangeable Pitch System? Cricket South Africa's new EPS technology explained

What they're saying

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What is the exchangeable pitch system? Learn how Cricket South Africa's new EPS technology swaps wickets in and out to survive a record 78-match-day season.
— Yahoo Sports

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South Africa Cricket