THE SIDELINES : British Cricketers to Play in S. Africa

Sixteen of England’s most famous cricket players will compete in South Africa next January, in defiance of the sport’s ruling body, it was announced today.

Each member of the group, led by former English team captain Mike Gatting, was automatically suspended from competition for five years by the International Cricket Conference because of its agreement with South Africa.

The first tour will begin Jan. 24, and the second will be in 1991.

Gatting refused to comment, but player-manager David Graveney issued a statement on behalf of the 16 saying the players hope to break down the South African system of apartheid.

“I do not believe that (the tour) will be construed as a victory for apartheid,” the statement said. “On the contrary, I will be playing cricket developed by the South African Cricket Union specifically to bring about change and provide new opportunities for all communities.”