T20 World Cup 2021: South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has pulled out of Tuesday’s afternoon clash between South Africa and West Indies in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 following his disapproval from taking a knee for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
The cricketer mentioned “personal reasons” for not featuring in the match against West Indies.
Temba Bavuma, South African skipper, at the toss informed that de Kock has made himself unavailable for the match owing to personal reasons. Reeza Hendricks replaced the wicketkeeper-batsman in the playing11.
It is learnt that, on Monday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) unanimously agreed to take a consistent stance on the BLM movement by taking a knee prior to the start of the match.
“The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Board on Monday evening unanimously 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,” read a statement from CSA.
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“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.”
Quinton de Kock has, in the past, declined to take a knee for the BLM stating “my own personal opinion.”
“It’s everyone’s decision. No one is forced to do anything. Not in life. That’s the way I see things. That’s just about it,” de Kock said in June.
Team India was also seen taking a stand for Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in the match against Pakistan.
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