English Cricket Team’s S. Africa Tour Shortened

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The protest-plagued tour of an English cricket team was sharply curtailed today under an agreement with anti-apartheid groups, organizers said.

The South African Cricket Union agreed to cancel the team’s match against the South African national team and cut the English side’s remaining schedule from eight to four matches.

The team has played four matches since arriving last month in defiance of an international sports ban.

The anti-apartheid National Sports Congress said it had agreed to end protests in return, said NSC General Secretary Krish Naidoo.

Anti-apartheid activists have demonstrated at the team’s matches, often leading to confrontations with police. Demonstrations have also been staged at hotels where the English team has stayed.

Police said the decision to curtail the tour was “totally unnecessary.” A statement said authorities had been able to control protests against the tour.

The South African Cricket Union, which arranged the tour, said it is cutting the schedule because of recent political developments. “It is our duty as responsible sports administrators to be sensitive to wider interests,” the union said.