In what can be an explosive development, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has revealed the reason why keeper-opener Quinton de Kock withdrew himself from the team’s T20 World Cup 2021 match against West Indies on October 26, 2021, in Dubai.
Captain Temba Bavuma had stated at the toss that Reeza Hendricks has replaced Quinton de Kock in the playing XI after the keeper opted out of the match for personal reasons. Interestingly, the CSA had released an official statement issuing directives for the team players to mandatorily take the knee for the remainder of their T20 World Cup matches.
“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,” CSA statement had stated.
However, CSA has now revealed that it 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. And this was the reason for De Kock opting out of the match as well.
CSA also stated that “The Board will await a further report from team management before deciding on the next steps. All players are expected to follow this directive for the remaining games of the World Cup.”
(Cricket South Africa inputs)
