1988: Indian cricket tour 'cancelled'

English cricket captain Graham Gooch and seven other members of his squad have been refused visas to travel to India.

The banned players - all of whom have played in South Africa - were due to take part in a tour to the subcontinent this winter, but it is now almost certain to be called off.

The Sports Minister, Colin Moynihan, said the Indian Government's decision could have serious implications for international cricket.

But Delhi has defended its policy and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth said they should be applauded for the ruling.

Blacklist

Graham Gooch's appointment as captain of the England team by the Test and County Cricket Board (TCCB) was considered controversial because of his rebel tour to South Africa in 1982.

Kim Barnett, Alan Lamb and Philip Newport were placed on a UN blacklist for playing in the republic last winter.

The other four players - John Emburey, Robert Bailey, Graham Dilley and Robert Robinson - were already on the list for previous playing in previous seasons.

India's High Commissioner in Britain said the news should not come as a surprise.

"Our commitment to various resolutions and agreements, to UN policy and the Government of India's policy with regard to apartheid is well known," he told reporters.

There was no comment from Graham Gooch, but his team mate Mr Barnett admitted they were not expecting the Indian government to refuse their visas.

Chief executive of the TCCB Alan Smith said the move was "bitterly disappointing".

The board now face the difficult task of arranging another tour at very short notice.

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