From Segregation to Integration

On November 10th, 1991, South Africa were welcomed back into international cricket after a twenty-one year apartheid boycott. The one-day international series against India came four months after readmittance to the world game, and just five since the formation of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, which bought rival white and black cricket authorities together. Many believed the 1992 World Cup would be too soon for South Africa's return, but when Pakistan pulled out of a visit to India, that the door opened for South Africa to step in, and they were given just a week to get there. The side were given a hero's welcome on arrival in Calcutta and 100,000 supporters turned up for the opening match at Eden Gardens. An emotional South African captain Clive Rice said, "I know how Neil Armstrong felt when he stood on the moon”. It was that kind of day. It was that kind of tour, relieved here by the BBC's Mo Allie and those involved. Photo: South African captain Clive Rice shakes hands with India captain Mohammad Azharuddin at the coin toss before the 1st ODI between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens. (Credit: Allsport/Getty Images)