Cricket South Africa: Apartheid Ban, SA20 & The Proteas

Cricket South Africa (CSA) governs cricket in South Africa. The Proteas, as South Africa's national team is known, returned to international cricket in 1991 after a 21-year ban during the apartheid era. Since their return, they have consistently ranked among the world's top Test teams.

The Apartheid Ban (1970–1991)

South Africa was banned from international cricket in 1970 following the International Cricket Conference's decision to expel them due to apartheid — the government's racial segregation policy. For 21 years, South African cricketers could only play rebel tours or domestically. The ban ended when apartheid was dismantled.

The Return and Modern Era

South Africa returned to Test cricket in 1991 and immediately showed world-class quality. They reached the 1992 ODI World Cup semi-finals (controversially eliminated by the rain rule) and have since produced players like Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn.

SA20 League

The SA20, launched in January 2023, is South Africa's T20 franchise league. Six teams backed by IPL franchises play across South Africa's premier venues. The tournament has been commercially successful and has helped attract international stars to South African cricket.

• Returned from apartheid ban: 1991 (ODI), 1992 (Test)
• SA20: 6 teams launched 2023, backed by IPL franchise owners
• Best players: Graeme Pollock, Barry Richards, Shaun Pollock, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn
• Home venues: Newlands (Cape Town), Wanderers (Johannesburg), St George's Park (Port Elizabeth)