Quinton de Kock was pulled out of the contest between South Africa and West Indies for refusing to take the knee during the first game of their T20 World Cup against Australia. The wicket-keeper batter was taken out from the playing XI, with Cricket South Africa issuing a directive to remain consistent with their stand.
De Kock was found tying his hands to his back, and it appeared to be a little casual in the commoners’ eye. This did not go down well with the watching world, who were either siding with him or bashing him for not taking a stand alongside his teammates.
When the entire Australian squad remained unanimous, a few Proteas cricketers decided to show their support in their own ways, by keeping their hand on heart or not responding in any manner.
The disparity between the cricketers, who belong to a country with such abysmal history of people suffering because of their race, did not bode well. Heinrich Klaasen, who replaced the 28-year-old, took the knee before the start of Tuesday’s game.
Cricket South Africa issued a directive, noting that it was important for all the players to remain unanimous in their support towards the Black Lives Matter initiative:
“Concerns were raised that the different postures taken by team members in support of the BLM [Black Lives Matter] 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 South Africa’s history”
a statement from the board said.
Despite not playing their superstar opener in the game against West Indies, they managed to register a compelling win to open their account in the T20 World Cup. Aiden Markram chipped in with a blazing half-century for the side, which helped the team go past the Caribbean outlet by eight wickets.
