With only a brief Test career during the 1970’s Richards’ international career was abruptly interrupted by the South African ban from cricket in opposition of the apartheid laws and prejudices. Richards moved to Britain where he continued his professional playing career and established himself as a sports speaker.
Returning to play for his home team Natal Barry Richards enjoyed a successful career until the mid-1980’s when he retired from cricket; however, determined to stay involved in the sports Barry cultivated for himself a prolific and impressive career as an after-dinner speaker. Beginning his work as a cricket speaker by working for the South African Broadcasting Company Richards quickly became one of the most popular sports speakers and specialist cricket broadcasters in his home nation.
Despite a dispute with South Africa’s MNet Supersport Richards’ career continued to improve and in the 1990’s he began working as a broadcaster and cricket speaker in the UK. Barry Richards is available for hire as an after-dinner speaker or as a special guest for both live events and television or radio productions.
