Quinton de Kock has apologised for pulling out of Tuesday’s Twenty20 World Cup win over the West Indies after rejecting a Cricket South Africa (CSA) directive that players must “take a knee” in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.
In a statement released via CSA on Thursday, De Kock, who also revealed he has mixed-race family, said he meant no disrespect and “would love nothing more than to play cricket for my country again”.
“I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example,” De Kock said.
“If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so. “I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone.
I’m deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused.” De Kock said his change of heart came after the players had a meeting with the CSA board on Wednesday evening.
“I was raised to understand that we all have rights, and they are important. I felt like my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do in the way that we were told.
“Since our chat with the board, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions.
I wish this had happened sooner, because what happened on match day could have been avoided. “My half-sisters are Coloured and my step mum is Black.—Reuters
