South African wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock refused to take the knee ahead of his country’s T20 World Cup game against West Indies. The 28-year-old pulled out of the match following Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) diktat for players to take the knee before matches at the ongoing T20 World Cup.
CSA had made the decision on Monday for all players to take the knee, a gesture to stand up against racism, which has been a regular occurrence in sporting events around the world.
The CSA released a statement regarding de Kock’s decision, where the board stood by its decision and stated that all South African players will have to take the knee for the rest of the tournament.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has noted the personal decision by South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock not to “take the knee” ahead of Tuesday’s game against the West Indies.
“All players had been required, in line with a directive of the CSA Board on Monday evening, to “take the knee” in a united and consistent stance against racism. This is also the global gesture against racism that has been adopted by sportspeople across sporting codes because they recognize the power of sport to bring people together.
“After considering all relevant issues, including the freedom of choice of players, the Board had made it clear it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a stand against racism, especially given SA’s history. The Board’s view was that while diversity can and should find expression in many facets of daily lives, this did not apply when it came to taking a stand against racism,” said the statement by CSA.
de Kock had previously had reservations against taking the knee, stating that it should be a personal decision rather than one that should be forced upon them.
South Africa T20 captain Temba Bavuma said the timing of the decision was not ideal for the team’s preparation ahead of their match against West Indies. Bavuma, the country’s first black cricket captain, stated that he and the team respect de Kock’s convictions and decision and that he is still part of the team. Bavuma said that he and the team will support de Kock in whatever way possible and that there will be conversations between all parties involved.
Bavuma revealed that he heard about the decision by de Kock to not take part in the game in the dressing room. He thinks that it was not ideal preparation and that the team was surprised by the decision
Despite the absence of one of their key batters, South Africa cruised to the target of 144 against West Indies in 18 overs and won by 8 wickets. The Proteas had lost their opening match of the tournament to Australia in a closely fought match.
