Original version

BBC World Service Online

The Documentary

Documentaries

Factual

The Documentary Podcast

Investigating global developments, issues and affairs.

The Documentary: Rebel, Rebel

The Documentary: Rebel Rebel: Rebel Rebel

Spectators in Pretoria during a one-day international between the rebel West Indies XI and South Africa, 1983

28/06/2014 GMT

Rebel Rebel

BBC World Service - The Documentary, Rebel Rebel, Rebel Rebel

How and why cricket tours of Apartheid era South Africa took place despite a boycott

Jonathan Agnew looks back at the rebel cricket tours to South Africa that defied the sporting boycott of the Apartheid era.

Between 1981 and 1990 teams 'representing' England, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Australia toured Apartheid era South Africa, despite there being a well established sporting boycott in place. 

Those that chose to tour were well rewarded financially, but faced damaging consequences to their careers and reputations. Thirty years later Jonathan Agnew, the BBC's cricket correspondent, reveals how and why the tours took place and finds out whether those that chose to play in these rebel cricket tours now regret their actions. 

Interviewees include Sir Vivian Richard, John Emburey, Richard Ellison, Franklyn Stephenson and Clive Rice.

Picture: Spectators in Pretoria during a one-day international between the rebel West Indies XI and South Africa, February 1983, Credit:  Adrian Murrell/Getty Images

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Documentary

Rebel Rebel

Rebel Rebel

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service