Basil D’Oliveira:
Basil D’Oliveira was caught up in controversy which made his name common in cricket. The South Africa born cricketer Basil D’Oliveira migrated to England in 1960 during the apartheid era. Being a Cape Coloured, D’Oliveira was not permitted to play for South Africa but on broadcast-writer John Arlott’s insistence, Middleton, a Central Lancashire League club, signed him as a professional in 1960.
In 1966, he made his Test debut for England against West Indies. He was surrounded in controversy after he was initially omitted from the MCC squad to tour South Africa in 1968-69 but was later included in the squad as a replacement. This action stirred the South African regime how claimed it a political move and said they would not admit the team’s entry into their country. The MCC ended up cancelling the tour, and the cricket world boycotted South Africa until the end of apartheid.
However, the right-hand batsman, who was a part-time bowler, played for England in 44 Test matches and 4 ODIs. He made his name popular with his outstanding performances.