5 biggest controversies in South African cricket

#1 The Basil D’Oliveira Affair

Basil D'Oliveira

This was the saga that eventually led to South Africa’s ouster from international cricket and remains one of the biggest controversies in the history of cricket. Basil D’Oliveira was a South African cricketer, who had moved to England and made his debut for his adopted country in 1966.

The controversy erupted when South African authorities, media, and even their Nazi sympathiser Apartheid-era Prime Minister John Vorster expressed their discomfiture over the inclusion of the mixed-race (Indian and Portuguese descent) D’Oliveira in England’s touring party for the 1968-69 tour.

The whole saga was a sprawling one. The all-rounder had not initially been in the frame for selection due to his poor form in the 1968 season but his superb 158 against Australia at The Oval made him a contender. While furious diplomatic talks were going on behind the scenes, the Marylebone Cricket Club did not pick D’Oliveira under controversial circumstances.

However, an injury to another player paved the way for his inclusion in the side. South Africa’s Prime Minister, who had privately offered D’Oliveira a bribe to not participate in the tour, cried foul and thundered that the selection was down to political considerations.

The MCC was not going to oust D’Oliveira from the team and the tour was eventually called off. South Africa would not play international cricket until 1991. England and South Africa now play for the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy in Test cricket.