England cricket all-rounder Basil D’Oliveira, once centre-stage in an Apartheid-era dispute, has died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
South Africa-born D’Oliveira made headlines in 1968 when he was included in the England squad for the tour of South Africa which had to be called off as the South African government refused to accept his presence.
The incident marked the start of South Africa’s cricketing isolation.
He finally succumbed to Parkinson’s disease at the age of 80, his son Damian said, adding he will be fondly remembered.
Mr D’Oliveira said: “It is a sad time for us as a family but after a long battle against Parkinson’s disease dad passed away peacefully, although it is difficult we will celebrate a great life rather than mourn a death.”
Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola led the tributes to D’Oliveira, whose health had been deteriorating for some time leading up to his death in England.
“‘Dolly’, as he was known around the world by an audience that went far beyond the game of cricket, was a true legend and a son of whom all South Africans can be extremely proud,” Mr Majola said.
“He was a man of true dignity and a wonderful role model as somebody who overcame the most extreme prejudices and circumstances to take his rightful place on the world stage.”
D’Oliveira played at Cape Town club cricket in his home country but found his path to the top of the game blocked in apartheid-era South Africa.
He moved to England at the urging of cricket commentator John Arlott and fought his way through the ranks to earn a place in the national side, where he went on to shine on th international stage after making his debut in 1966.
After retiring from the field in 1980, D’Oliveira went on to lead Worcestershire County Cricket Club, culminating in County Championship glory in 1988 and 1989.
As club coach, D’Oliveira oversaw the likes of Ian Botham, Graham Dilley and a youn Graeme Hick to domestic success in both the long and short format of the game.
PA