The game of cricket has won over many followers in South Africa because of development programmes to promote the game in black communities.
In 2003, South Africa hosted the Cricket World Cup with Cape Town games being played in Newlands and nearby Paarl.

Played throughout summer, from about September to March, the “gentleman’s” game cricket enjoys wide support across class and racial barriers.

Background
Several cricket clubs like Primrose and Victoria, compete in a competitive league from where many provincial players are chosen. The provincial side plays its cricket at the Newlands Cricket Ground.

International cricket is played exclusively at this venue. Provincial cricket and club cricket does not have much of a fan base because of the intricacies of the game and the many alternatives on offer.

History
Due to the sports boycott during Apartheid by the international sporting federations, South African cricket teams could not participate in international competition until 1991, when they played India in a one-off test match in Kulkuta.
In the past teams were selected on race, nowadays everyone can play for the national team if they’re good enough.
A programme to fast-track black players was started in the 1980s and is starting to show fruit with several players playing in the national side.

Future Developments
With more people being exposed to the game, South Africa is expected to produce a team in the near future that can be truly representative of the country.
Players like Makhaya Ntini, Mfuneko Ngam and Thami Tsolokile have become heroes to South Africans of all races, not because they’re black, but because they can play the game competitively.