Quinton de Dock on Tuesday opted out of South Africa’s Twenty20 World Cup match against the West Indies “for personal reasons” as the country’s cricket board ordered players to take the knee.
Skipper Temba Bavuma said the wicketkeeper-batsman, a former national captain, had made himself unavailable due to “personal reasons” in their crucial Super 12 match in Dubai.
The decision raised eyebrows as De Kock had previously refused to take part in the anti-racism gesture that has become a regular feature in most sporting events. “
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,” said a CSA statement.
“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.—AFP
