Dr Ali Bacher, director of the SACU, announces the shortening of the ‘rebel cricket tour ‘as a gesture of support for the country’s dramatic political changes

The South African Rebel Tours were so called because they took place amid strong disapproval from several governments, the United Cricket Conference and organizations like The United Nations. They took place between the period of 1982 and 1990, a time when South Africa was banned from International Cricket. In 1990, when South Africa went through a transformation politically, with the release of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners, Ali Bacher was forced to abruptly end the English tour mid way following  criticism. The tour was plagued with mass demonstrations and such strong opposition from the time the English team, under Coach Mike Gatting arrived. Mid way through the tour, the hostility and demonstrations against the tour had escalated to such a point that it had become dangerous to continue.