Cricket South Africa will take action against Quinton de Kock after he decided to pull out of Tuesday’s T20 World Cup clash against the West Indies.
The 28-year-old cited “personal reasons” shortly before the start of the Group 1 match in Dubai and straight after CSA sent out a statement instructing all players to take the knee in a “united stance against racism”.
With half of the team taking the knee and the others standing last week against Australia, CSA released a statement shortly before the Windies clash reading: “[The board] agreed to issue a directive requiring all Proteas players to adopt a consistent and united stance against racism by “taking the knee” prior to the start of their remaining World Cup matches.
“Concerns were raised that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM initiative created an unintended perception of disparity or lack of support for the initiative.
“After considering all relevant issues, including the position of the players, the board felt that it was imperative for the team to be seen taking a united and consistent stand against racism, especially given SA’s history.”
After De Kock’s withdrawal from the team, CSA sent out another statement reading: “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 (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.
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 26, 2021
➡️ Full statement: https://t.co/cmEiA9JZy7 pic.twitter.com/4vOqkXz0DX
Captain Temba Bavuma, meanwhile, reveals that the team was informed of CSA’s decision while on the bus to the match.
Of De Kock’s decision, he says: “We, as a team, were surprised and taken aback by the news...”
He adds: “Quinton is an adult, he made the decision and you kind of have to respect that, whether you agree with it or not.”
On the pitch, South Africa beat the Windies by eight wickets after successfully chasing down 143/8 by scoring 144/2.