T20 World Cup 2021: CSA Confirms Quinton de Kock Refused To Take The Knee

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that star opener Quinton de Kock refused to “take the knee” ahead of the 18th match of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 between Group 1 teams Temba Bavuma-led South Africa National Cricket Team and Kieron Pollard-led West Indies National Cricket Team at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, on Tuesday, October 26.

Star wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who is unarguably one of the best batters of South Africa, was not part of the playing XI in the match against West Indies.

The Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma said that Quinton de Kock has made himself unavailable for selection due to personal reasons, and Reeza Hendricks came in as his replacement. South Africa skipper stated:

“Quinny is out and Reeza is in. He (de Kock) has made himself unavailable for personal reasons.”

CSA Confirms Quinton de Kock Refused To Take The Knee

In an official statement released by Cricket South Africa (CSA), it was revealed that Board had informed all the players to “take the knee” to support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. However, batsman Quinton de Kock Refused to take the knee.

“Cricket South Africa (CSA) 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 recognise 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 the team needed 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.

“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.” 

“CSA thanks all other Proteas players for agreeing to unite and make such an important public stand against racism,” CSA’s official statement read.

Previously, players were given three options to show their support for the fight for social justice – kneel, raise a fist, or stand to attention. However, Quinton de Kock didn’t do any of the three, and he opted to stand with his hands slung casually behind his back.

Meanwhile, at an online press conference on June 12 2022, during South Africa’s Test series against the West Indies. Quinton de Kock refused to explain his move. He stated:

 “My reason? I’ll keep it to myself. It’s my own, personal opinion. It’s everyone’s decision; no one’s forced to do anything, not in life. That’s the way I see things.”

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