The D’Oliveira’s story

Here we share the remarkable story of Basil D’Oliveira and the part he unwittingly played in the history of Aparthied and the exclusion of South Africa from world sport for over 25 years. Also of Basil’s son Damian, his life, career and the legacy he has left Worcestershire Cricket with his leadership in the development of young players through the Worcestershire Cricket Academy.

Basil’s Story

Damian’s Story Worcestershire Academy Director, Damian D'Oliveira past away in June 2014, however the legacy left by Damian is evident to the County first team squad of 2014. Ten of the eleven players who signed new contracts since the beginning of August were products of the county's Academy.

There is a rare category of sportsman who comes to signify something very much greater and more profound than merely sport. One who falls in that category is Basil D’Oliveira. Yet his secret was his sheer ordinariness. Though a very fine cricketer, he was modest, discreet, immaculately well mannered, and had no burning interest in politics. He never chose to become a hero and never sought to be a symbol of anything. But destiny singled him out to play the central role in the most important sporting controversy of modern times.

Basil, Naomi and Damian

Web Site created by Chris Everton

The D’Oliveira’s story

Basil’s Story There is a rare category of sportsman who comes to signify something very much greater and more profound thanmerely sport. One who falls in that category is Basil D’Oliveira. Yet his secret was his sheer ordinariness. Though a very fine cricketer, he was modest, discreet, immaculately well mannered, and had no burning interest in politics. He never chose to become a hero and never sought to be a symbol of anything. But destiny singled him out to play the central rolein the most important sporting controversy of modern times.

Basil, Naomi and Damian