The rebel West Indian cricketers were later handed a lifetime ban from playing cricket by the WICB. After those rebel tours came to an end, he began playing for South African outfit Free State. As the lifetime ban was eventually lifted in 1989, Stephenson was able to play for Barbados in the 1989–90 Red Stripe Cup.
A group of dissident West Indian cricketers faced a lifetime prohibition from playing cricket by the WICB after their tours ended. He then began competing for South African team Free State. As the ban was eventually lifted in 1989, Stephenson was able to play for Barbados in the 1989–90 Red Stripe Cup.